Students' conceptual understanding of natural resources in geography through research-based learning

The purpose of this study was to explore grade 7 students' conceptual understanding of natural resources taught in geography through research-based learning. The samples were 34 students in grade 7 of Khon Kaen Demonstration Secondary School, Khon Kaen Province. The interpretive method was used to analyze students' conceptual understanding of natural resources collected from students' presentation of the concept map as conclusion in the final stage of research-based learning approach. The lessons of natural resources, including soil, water, forest, and mineral were used to examine how students construct their conceptual understanding in the form of 'concept map.' Data were interpreted through the rubric scoring with three criteria as follows. Level 1 was given to students who could draw a concept map describing at least 1-2 natural resources in Thailand with readable handwriting in colors. Level 2 was given to students when they could draw a concept map describing at least 2-3 natural resources in Thailand with readable handwriting in colors showing their creativity. Level 3 was granted to students when they could draw a concept map describing at least 4 natural resources in Thailand 4 with readable handwriting in colors showing their high creativity. This study also proposed the guidelines to enhance students' conceptual understanding of geography through research-based learning.