A Study of Level 4 Students' Photosynthesis Conceptions

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the photosynthesis conceptions held by thirty eight senior high school (Grades 10-12), Level 4 students at a Bangkok suburban high school in Thailand. The study was conducted during the 2002 academic year, before the science education reform was mandated in the 2003 academic year. A concept test was adapted from Barker's study (1985), comprising open-ended questions and multiple choices including explanations to identify the student conceptions about photosynthesis connected with plants and their food, chlorophyll, electron roles, energy sources and photosynthesis and plant respiration. The results of this study showed that, in Level 4, the students have little understanding about photosynthesis conceptions, especially the relationship between photosynthesis process and plant respiration, chlorophyll roles and electron roles in photosynthesis process.