The effectiveness of the Observation Guide application in supporting children’s scientific observations in the zoo
- Yui Tanaka, Kobe University, Japan
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Ryohei Egusa, Kobe University, Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan
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Etsuji Yamaguchi
and
Shigenori Inagaki, Kobe University, Japan
- Fusako Kusunoki, Tama Art University, Japan
- Hideto Okuyama, Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo, Japan
- Tomoyuki Nogami, Kobe University, Japan
Thursday, April 28 2:05-2:25 PM Location: Bishop Suite View on map
Abstract: We propose an Observation Guide to support the scientific observation of animals in zoo. Our system uses the Internet to offer various observation perspectives on animals in a quiz format, with multiple choice options presented via short animations. In this study, we will clarify the effectiveness of an observation support system from the perspective of enhancing the children’s understanding of how to “connect features to function and behavior. ” Therefore, we held a workshop to observe seals in a zoo. For evaluation, we analyzed the accuracy of the children’s selections with the Observation Guide both before and after the observation and at the interview. Most children were able to select the correct option linking features and behavior. Furthermore, in interviews, the children were able to explain the characteristics of the seal. These findings imply that the Observation Guide supported observation by children in order to “connect features to function and behavior.”