The Effect of a Nature Camp on Children’s Conceptions of Nature

In this study, a nature camp which provides authentic learning opportunities for children was conducted. Twenty-four 4th and 5th graders (9 girls, 15 boys) participated to the camp. The camp program started with observations in the forest nearby. More focused observations were also made. Children discussed their observations with their friends and scientists. A questionnaire was applied at the beginning and end of the camp. The results showed that the nature camp program was effective in extending the children’s conception of the nature by including both living and non-living things. Most of them started the camp with a conception of the nature which consisted of only living things whereas only four children left with this conception at the end. Biological aspects of the nature also increased. Children generally stated that living or non-living things exist or live together at the nature, but relationships between them were noticed by fewer children.