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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate elementary school students’ behaviors at science centers and determine the factors influencing their behaviors. The sample of the study consists of 63 primary school students, 32 female and 31 male, who were selected among those visiting a science center situated in Ankara. This study was guided by Naturalistic Inquiry described by Guba & Lincoln (1989). The sample of the study consists of 63 elementary school students, 32 female and 31 male, who were selected among those visiting a science center situated in Ankara. The analysis of data revealed that the subjects of the study stopped 317 times in front of the exhibits and interacted with them at different levels. Participating students were observed as very active during their free time in the science center like running from one exhibit to another. The findings of the study indicate that the priority of the students is to make sure that the exhibit is functional rather than understanding the facts and concepts behind the exhibit.
