A Study of Elementary School Students’ Conceptions and Misconceptions About Animal Reproduction

[[abstract]]The purposes of this study were to understand the cognition of the concepts and the misconceptions of animal reproduction held by elementary school students,and analyzing if there are differences in concepts of animal reproduction to students of diffenent grades,genders,area, and education level of parents. The research samples were taken from elementary school students of fourth to sixth grade in Tainan county and Tainan city.The data collection methods were based on open paper-and-pencil questionnaires, individual semi-structured interviews, two-tier test assessment and a formal test. The conclusive findings are: 1.The cognition of the concepts of animal reproduction held by elementary school students: The concepts of students are very week, most of them have limited understanding about external fertilization ,asexual reproduction, cold-blooded animal, reproduction method of ovoviviparous animals and the entire nutrient transmission process of vivipara animals. 2. Student’s misconceptions about animal reproduction: (1)Copulation or sperm egg union process is a must for animal reproduction. (2)The behavior of setting on eggs of hens is to warm young chickens in case they feel cold. (3)The womb, stomach of vivipara animals directly provide food or nutrients to their embryo. (4)Ovoviviparous animals lay eggs and suckle as mammalian animals do. (5)Ovoviviparous animals will lay eggs or give birth to young animals,it depends on environmental requirements. 3.The test of concepts of animal reproduction of elementary school students shows remarkable difference between grades,genders, area and education level of parents