Comparing Characteristics and Perceptions of Science Imaginary Drawings of Scientifically-Gifted and General Elementary Students

Abstract

This study compared the characteristics and perceptions of science imaginary drawings done by scientifically-gifted and general elementary students. To do this, sixth graders (n=60) at three gifted science education institutes and sixth graders (n=51) at two elementary schools in Gyeonggi province were selected and administered the questionnaires. The analyses of the results indicated that the pictures of scientifically-gifted students included and integrated more academic fields and places than those of general students. The pictures of scientifically-gifted students were also more elaborate, but less painted. In addition, scientifically-gifted students perceived more positively the educational benefits of science imaginary drawing upon cognitive and affective aspects. However, there were no significant differences between scientifically-gifted students and general students in the understanding of science imaginary drawing, distribution of the pictures by times, perceptions on educational benefits of science imaginary drawing upon aesthetic aspects, and perceptions on difficulties in the processes of scientific imaginary drawing. A few scientifically-gifted students answered that science imaginary drawing was not more useful to them than to general students. Educational implications of these findings are discussed.