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RESEARCH PAPER
Finnish primary school students’ perceptions on water systems: Exploring sources and usage at home and in society
1
School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, FINLAND
2
School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, FINLAND
Online publication date: 2024-04-08
Publication date: 2024-05-01
EURASIA J. Math., Sci Tech. Ed 2024;20(5):em2434
KEYWORDS
primary schoolsocio-scientific issuewater systemswater usagewater purificationscientific literacysocio-scientific reasoning
ABSTRACT
Previous studies have shown that making informed decisions about water issues requires socio-scientific reasoning (SSR), which is challenging for primary school students. This study focuses on
third and fourth graders’ (n=101) perceptions regarding water systems, water sources and usage
patterns both at home and within society. The primary school students participated in a water
project that lasted for eight lessons. The study was a case study and the data consisted of audio
recordings of group conversations on tasks given in the lessons. The students’ perceptions were
analyzed using inductive content analysis and structure of observed learning outcome-taxonomy.
Students discussed the significance of using water for drinking, food preparation, and maintaining
personal hygiene. Students highlighted conservation, health, environmental and household
aspects when discussing water conservation and water purification. There is a need to empower
primary school students through building scientific literacy and SSR to inform evidence-based
decisions related to water issues.
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