After Almost Half-Century Landing On The Moon And Still Countering Basic Astronomy Conceptions
Abstract
The purpose of study is to investigate the fifth graders’ understandings of the basic astronomy concept and, if they
have, to define their misconceptions and then to determine what reason/s behind them. For this purpose, two hundred
seventy fifth grade students from 6 different schools participated. Randomly selected 45 students performing under
the class average and 6 teachers were interviewed to determine what reason/s behind students’ misconceptions. The
results of the study showed that many 5th graders have some misconceptions, such as Moon moves into the Sun’s
shadow, Moon only revolves around the Earth, it does not revolve around the Sun because the Moon cannot be seen
in the day-light. The reasons are one of reconciling out of school experiences, such as observing the rising and
setting sun, seeing stars only at night, school experiences, such as misleading diagrams and inappropriate materials,
ambiguous terminology and impropriate teaching methodology used by teacher.
References
Abell, S., George, M., & Martini, M. (2002). The Moon investigation: Instructional Strategies for elementary science methods. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 13 (2), 85-100.
Agan, L. (2004). Stellar ideas: Exploring students' understanding of stars. Astronomy Education review, 3 (1), 77-97.
Agan, L. & Sneider, C. (2003). Learning about the Earth's shape and gravity: A guide for teachers and curriculum developers. Astronomy Education Review, 2 (2), 90-117.
Akerson, V.L., Flick, L.B., & Lederman, N.G. (2000). The influence of young children's ideas in science on teaching practice. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 37, 363-385.
American Heritage Dictionary (2011). The English Language, Fifth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Arnold, P., Sarge, A., & Worrall, L. (1995). Children's knowledge of the Earth's shape and its gravitational field. International Journal of Science Education, 17(5), 635-641.
Ault, C.R. (1984). Intelligently Wrong: Some Comments On Children's Misconceptions. Science and Children, 21, 22-24.
Ausubel, D.P. (1968). Educational Psychology: A cognitive view. New York. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
Baloglu Ugurlu, N. (2005). Ilköğretim 6. Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Dünya ve Evren Konusu ile ilgili Kavram Yanılgıları (Misconceptions of The Sixth Year Students of Primary Education on the Earth and the Universe). GÜ, Gazi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 25(1), 229-246.
Barnett, M. & Moran, J. (2002). Addressing children's alternative frameworks of the Moon's phases and eclipses. International Journal of Science Education, 24 (8), 859-879.
Baser, M. (2006). Fostering Conceptual Change by Cognitive Conflict Based Instruction on Students’ Understanding of Heat and Temperature Concepts. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 2(2). Retrieved 12 may 2009 from http://www.ejmste.com.
Baxter, J. (1989). Children Understanding of Familiar Astronomical Events. International Journal of Science Education, 11(5), 502-513.
Baxter, J. H. (1991). A constructivist approach to astronomy in the National Curriculum. Physics Education, 26, 38–45.
Bauman, J. J. (1970). An Inquiry Into the Feasibility of New Astronomy for the Intermediate Grades, M.S. thesis, Central Connecticut State College.
Comins, N.F. (1993). Sources Of Misconceptions In Astronomy. In J. Novak (ed.), Proceedings of the third international conference on misconceptions and educational strategies in science and mathematics (distributed electronically). Ithaca, NY: Cornell University.
Dai, M.F., & Capie, W. (1990). Misconceptions About The Moon Held By Preservice Teachers In Taiwan. Paper presented at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching annual meeting, Atlanta, GA. (ERIC Document Reproduction Services ED 325- 327).
Diakidoy, I.A., Vosniadou, S., & Hawks, J.D. (1997). Conceptual change in astronomy: Models of the Earth and of the day-night cycle in American-Indian children. European Journal of Psychology Education, 12 (2), 159-184.
Dove, J. (2000). Does The Man In The Moon Ever Sleep? An Analysis Of Student Answers About Simple Astronomical Events. International Journal of Science Education, 24(8), 823-834.
Dunlop, J. (2000). How children observe the universe. Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, 17, 194-206.
Ekiz, D. & Akbas, Y. (2005). Ilköğretim 6. Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Astronomi ile ilgili Kavramları Anlama Düzeyi Ve Kavram Yanılgıları (Primary school 6th Grade Students’ understanding Level of Conceptions related to Astronomy and Misconceptions), 165, Retrieved March 22, 2009, from http://yayim.meb.gov.tr/dergiler/165/ekiz.htm
Frede, V. (2008) Teaching astronomy for pre-service elementary teachers: A comparison of methods. Advances in Space Research, 42, 1819–1830.
Galili, I., Weizman, A., & Cohen, A. (2004). The sky as a topic in science education. Science Education, 88, 574-593.
Haidar A.H. & Abraham M.R.A. (1991). Comparison Of Applied And Theoretical Knowledge Of Concepts Based On The Particulate Nature Of Matter. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 28(10), 919–938.
Jarman, R., & McAleese, L. (1996). Physics for the star-gazer: Pupils’ attitudes to astronomy in the Northern Ireland Science Curriculum. Physics Education, 31, 223–226.
Jones, B., Lynch, P., & Reesink, C. (1987). Children Conception of the Earth, Sun And Moon. International Journal of Science Education, 9(1), 43-53.
Kallery, M. (2011).Astronomical Concepts and Events Awareness for Young Children. International Journal of Science Education, 33( 3), 341–369
Kavanagh, C., Agan, L., and Sneider, C. (2005). Learning about phases of the Moon and eclipses: A guide for teachers and curriculum developers. Astronomy Education Review, 4 (1), 19-52.
Klein, C. (1982). Children’s Conception of the Earth, And the Sun: A Cross Cultural Study. Science Education, 65(11), 95-107.
Klopfer, L. E.(1969). Effectiveness and Effects of ESSP Astronomy Materials. An Illustrative Study of Evaluation in a Curriculum Development Project. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 6(1), 64-75.
Lee, M. H. & Hanuscin, D. L. (2008). A Misunderstanding of Astronomical Proportions? Science and Children, 46(1), 60-61
Lelliott, A. & Rollnick, M. (2009). Big Ideas: A review of astronomy education research 1974– 2008. International Journal of Science Education, 1–29.
Marek, E.A. (1986). Understanding and Misunderstandings Of Biology Concepts. The American Biology Teacher, 48(1), 37-40.
Nussbaum, J. (1979). Childrens Conception of the Earth as a Cosmic Body: A Cross Age Study, Science Education, 63, 83.
Nussbaum, J., & Novak, J. (1976). An Assessment of Childrens Concepts of the Earth Utilizing Structured Interviews, Science Education, 60, 535.
Osborne, R., & Freyberg, P. (1985). Learning in science: The implications of children’s science. Auckland, New Zealand: Heinemann.
Piaget, J. (1929). The child’s conception of the world. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
Schoon, K. (1992). Students' Alternative Conceptions Of Earth And Space. Journal of Geological Education, 40, 209-214.
Sharp, J.G., Bowker, R., Mooney, C., Grace, M., & Jeans, R. (1999). Teaching and learning astronomy in primary schools. School Science Review, 80 (292), 75-86.
Sharp, J. G., Bowker, R., & Merrick, J. (1997). Primary astronomy: Conceptual change and learning in three 10 – 11 year olds. Research in Education, 57(May), 67 – 83.
Sharp, J.G,, & Kubris, P. (2006). Children’s Ideas About the Solar System and the Chaos in Learning Science. Science Education, 90:124– 147,
Shrigley, R. L.(1971). Handmade Equipment in Elementary School Science, Science Education, 55(3), 361-369.
Shrigley, R. L.(1972). Sex Difference and Its Implications on Attitude and Achievement in Elementary School Science, School Science and Mathematics, 72(9), 789-793.
Skam, K. (1994). Determining misconceptions about astronomy. Australian Science Teachers Journal, 40 (3), 63-67.
Skamp, K. (1994). Determining misconceptions about astronomy. Australian Science Teacher Journal, 40(3), 63-7
Sneider, C., & Ohadi, M. (1998). Unraveling Students' Misconceptions about The Earth's Shape And Gravity. Science Education, 82(2), 265-284.
Stahly, L.L, Krockover, G.H., & Shepardson, D.P. (1999). Third Grade Students’ Ideas about the Lunar Phases. Journal Of Research In Science Teaching, 36(2), 159–177.
Taylor, I., Barker, M., & Jones, A. (2003). Promoting mental model building in astronomy education. International Journal of Science Education, 25, 1205–1225.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, (2000). Fourth Edition, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Trumper R. (2000). University Students' Conceptions of Basic Astronomy Concepts. Physics Education, 35(1), 9-15.
Trumper R. (2001a). A Cross-Age Study of Junior High School Students' Conceptions Of Basic Astronomy Concepts. International Journal of Science Education, 23(11), 1111-1123.
Trumper R. (2001b). A Cross-College Age Study of Science and Non-science Students’ Conceptions of Basic Astronomy Concepts in Pre-service Training for High-School Teachers. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 10(2), 189-195.
Trumper, R. (2003).The need for change in elementary school teacher training: A cross-college age study of future teachers' conceptions of basic astronomy concepts. Teaching and Teacher Education, 19 (3), 309-323.
Trundle, K.C., Atwood, R.K., & Christopher, J. E. (2007). Fourth-grade Elementary Students’ Conceptions of Standards-based Lunar Concepts. International Journal of Science Education, 29(5), 595–616
Trundle, K.C., Troland, T.H., & Pritchard, T.G. (2008). Representations of The Moon In Children's Literature: An Analysis Of Written And Visual Text. Journal of Elementary Science Education, 20 (1), 17-28
Turkmen, H, & Usta, E. (2007). The Role Of Learning Cycle Approach Overcoming Misconceptions In Science, Kastamonu Eğitim Dergisi, 15(2), 491-500.
Venville, G. J., Louisell, R. D., & Wilhelm, J. A. (2012). Young children’s knowledge about the moon: a complex dynamic system. Research Science Education, 42, 729-752.
Vosniadou, S., & Brewer, W.F. (1994). Mental models of day-night cycle. Cognitive Science, 18 (1), 123-183.
Vosniadou, S., Skopeliti, I. & Ikospentaki K. (2004). Modes of Knowing and Ways of Reasoning in Elementary Astronomy. Cognitive Development, 19, pp. 203-222
Wall, C.A. (1973). A Review of Research Related to Astronomy Education. School Science and Mathematics, 8, 653-669.
Yuckenberg, L. M. (1962). Children’s Understanding of Certain Concepts of Astronomy in the First Grade, Science Education, 46(2), 148-150.
Agan, L. (2004). Stellar ideas: Exploring students' understanding of stars. Astronomy Education review, 3 (1), 77-97.
Agan, L. & Sneider, C. (2003). Learning about the Earth's shape and gravity: A guide for teachers and curriculum developers. Astronomy Education Review, 2 (2), 90-117.
Akerson, V.L., Flick, L.B., & Lederman, N.G. (2000). The influence of young children's ideas in science on teaching practice. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 37, 363-385.
American Heritage Dictionary (2011). The English Language, Fifth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Arnold, P., Sarge, A., & Worrall, L. (1995). Children's knowledge of the Earth's shape and its gravitational field. International Journal of Science Education, 17(5), 635-641.
Ault, C.R. (1984). Intelligently Wrong: Some Comments On Children's Misconceptions. Science and Children, 21, 22-24.
Ausubel, D.P. (1968). Educational Psychology: A cognitive view. New York. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
Baloglu Ugurlu, N. (2005). Ilköğretim 6. Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Dünya ve Evren Konusu ile ilgili Kavram Yanılgıları (Misconceptions of The Sixth Year Students of Primary Education on the Earth and the Universe). GÜ, Gazi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 25(1), 229-246.
Barnett, M. & Moran, J. (2002). Addressing children's alternative frameworks of the Moon's phases and eclipses. International Journal of Science Education, 24 (8), 859-879.
Baser, M. (2006). Fostering Conceptual Change by Cognitive Conflict Based Instruction on Students’ Understanding of Heat and Temperature Concepts. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 2(2). Retrieved 12 may 2009 from http://www.ejmste.com.
Baxter, J. (1989). Children Understanding of Familiar Astronomical Events. International Journal of Science Education, 11(5), 502-513.
Baxter, J. H. (1991). A constructivist approach to astronomy in the National Curriculum. Physics Education, 26, 38–45.
Bauman, J. J. (1970). An Inquiry Into the Feasibility of New Astronomy for the Intermediate Grades, M.S. thesis, Central Connecticut State College.
Comins, N.F. (1993). Sources Of Misconceptions In Astronomy. In J. Novak (ed.), Proceedings of the third international conference on misconceptions and educational strategies in science and mathematics (distributed electronically). Ithaca, NY: Cornell University.
Dai, M.F., & Capie, W. (1990). Misconceptions About The Moon Held By Preservice Teachers In Taiwan. Paper presented at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching annual meeting, Atlanta, GA. (ERIC Document Reproduction Services ED 325- 327).
Diakidoy, I.A., Vosniadou, S., & Hawks, J.D. (1997). Conceptual change in astronomy: Models of the Earth and of the day-night cycle in American-Indian children. European Journal of Psychology Education, 12 (2), 159-184.
Dove, J. (2000). Does The Man In The Moon Ever Sleep? An Analysis Of Student Answers About Simple Astronomical Events. International Journal of Science Education, 24(8), 823-834.
Dunlop, J. (2000). How children observe the universe. Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, 17, 194-206.
Ekiz, D. & Akbas, Y. (2005). Ilköğretim 6. Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Astronomi ile ilgili Kavramları Anlama Düzeyi Ve Kavram Yanılgıları (Primary school 6th Grade Students’ understanding Level of Conceptions related to Astronomy and Misconceptions), 165, Retrieved March 22, 2009, from http://yayim.meb.gov.tr/dergiler/165/ekiz.htm
Frede, V. (2008) Teaching astronomy for pre-service elementary teachers: A comparison of methods. Advances in Space Research, 42, 1819–1830.
Galili, I., Weizman, A., & Cohen, A. (2004). The sky as a topic in science education. Science Education, 88, 574-593.
Haidar A.H. & Abraham M.R.A. (1991). Comparison Of Applied And Theoretical Knowledge Of Concepts Based On The Particulate Nature Of Matter. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 28(10), 919–938.
Jarman, R., & McAleese, L. (1996). Physics for the star-gazer: Pupils’ attitudes to astronomy in the Northern Ireland Science Curriculum. Physics Education, 31, 223–226.
Jones, B., Lynch, P., & Reesink, C. (1987). Children Conception of the Earth, Sun And Moon. International Journal of Science Education, 9(1), 43-53.
Kallery, M. (2011).Astronomical Concepts and Events Awareness for Young Children. International Journal of Science Education, 33( 3), 341–369
Kavanagh, C., Agan, L., and Sneider, C. (2005). Learning about phases of the Moon and eclipses: A guide for teachers and curriculum developers. Astronomy Education Review, 4 (1), 19-52.
Klein, C. (1982). Children’s Conception of the Earth, And the Sun: A Cross Cultural Study. Science Education, 65(11), 95-107.
Klopfer, L. E.(1969). Effectiveness and Effects of ESSP Astronomy Materials. An Illustrative Study of Evaluation in a Curriculum Development Project. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 6(1), 64-75.
Lee, M. H. & Hanuscin, D. L. (2008). A Misunderstanding of Astronomical Proportions? Science and Children, 46(1), 60-61
Lelliott, A. & Rollnick, M. (2009). Big Ideas: A review of astronomy education research 1974– 2008. International Journal of Science Education, 1–29.
Marek, E.A. (1986). Understanding and Misunderstandings Of Biology Concepts. The American Biology Teacher, 48(1), 37-40.
Nussbaum, J. (1979). Childrens Conception of the Earth as a Cosmic Body: A Cross Age Study, Science Education, 63, 83.
Nussbaum, J., & Novak, J. (1976). An Assessment of Childrens Concepts of the Earth Utilizing Structured Interviews, Science Education, 60, 535.
Osborne, R., & Freyberg, P. (1985). Learning in science: The implications of children’s science. Auckland, New Zealand: Heinemann.
Piaget, J. (1929). The child’s conception of the world. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
Schoon, K. (1992). Students' Alternative Conceptions Of Earth And Space. Journal of Geological Education, 40, 209-214.
Sharp, J.G., Bowker, R., Mooney, C., Grace, M., & Jeans, R. (1999). Teaching and learning astronomy in primary schools. School Science Review, 80 (292), 75-86.
Sharp, J. G., Bowker, R., & Merrick, J. (1997). Primary astronomy: Conceptual change and learning in three 10 – 11 year olds. Research in Education, 57(May), 67 – 83.
Sharp, J.G,, & Kubris, P. (2006). Children’s Ideas About the Solar System and the Chaos in Learning Science. Science Education, 90:124– 147,
Shrigley, R. L.(1971). Handmade Equipment in Elementary School Science, Science Education, 55(3), 361-369.
Shrigley, R. L.(1972). Sex Difference and Its Implications on Attitude and Achievement in Elementary School Science, School Science and Mathematics, 72(9), 789-793.
Skam, K. (1994). Determining misconceptions about astronomy. Australian Science Teachers Journal, 40 (3), 63-67.
Skamp, K. (1994). Determining misconceptions about astronomy. Australian Science Teacher Journal, 40(3), 63-7
Sneider, C., & Ohadi, M. (1998). Unraveling Students' Misconceptions about The Earth's Shape And Gravity. Science Education, 82(2), 265-284.
Stahly, L.L, Krockover, G.H., & Shepardson, D.P. (1999). Third Grade Students’ Ideas about the Lunar Phases. Journal Of Research In Science Teaching, 36(2), 159–177.
Taylor, I., Barker, M., & Jones, A. (2003). Promoting mental model building in astronomy education. International Journal of Science Education, 25, 1205–1225.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, (2000). Fourth Edition, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Trumper R. (2000). University Students' Conceptions of Basic Astronomy Concepts. Physics Education, 35(1), 9-15.
Trumper R. (2001a). A Cross-Age Study of Junior High School Students' Conceptions Of Basic Astronomy Concepts. International Journal of Science Education, 23(11), 1111-1123.
Trumper R. (2001b). A Cross-College Age Study of Science and Non-science Students’ Conceptions of Basic Astronomy Concepts in Pre-service Training for High-School Teachers. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 10(2), 189-195.
Trumper, R. (2003).The need for change in elementary school teacher training: A cross-college age study of future teachers' conceptions of basic astronomy concepts. Teaching and Teacher Education, 19 (3), 309-323.
Trundle, K.C., Atwood, R.K., & Christopher, J. E. (2007). Fourth-grade Elementary Students’ Conceptions of Standards-based Lunar Concepts. International Journal of Science Education, 29(5), 595–616
Trundle, K.C., Troland, T.H., & Pritchard, T.G. (2008). Representations of The Moon In Children's Literature: An Analysis Of Written And Visual Text. Journal of Elementary Science Education, 20 (1), 17-28
Turkmen, H, & Usta, E. (2007). The Role Of Learning Cycle Approach Overcoming Misconceptions In Science, Kastamonu Eğitim Dergisi, 15(2), 491-500.
Venville, G. J., Louisell, R. D., & Wilhelm, J. A. (2012). Young children’s knowledge about the moon: a complex dynamic system. Research Science Education, 42, 729-752.
Vosniadou, S., & Brewer, W.F. (1994). Mental models of day-night cycle. Cognitive Science, 18 (1), 123-183.
Vosniadou, S., Skopeliti, I. & Ikospentaki K. (2004). Modes of Knowing and Ways of Reasoning in Elementary Astronomy. Cognitive Development, 19, pp. 203-222
Wall, C.A. (1973). A Review of Research Related to Astronomy Education. School Science and Mathematics, 8, 653-669.
Yuckenberg, L. M. (1962). Children’s Understanding of Certain Concepts of Astronomy in the First Grade, Science Education, 46(2), 148-150.
Published
2017-02-21
How to Cite
TURKMEN, Hakan.
After Almost Half-Century Landing On The Moon And Still Countering Basic Astronomy Conceptions.
European Journal of Physics Education, [S.l.], v. 6, n. 2, p. 1-17, feb. 2017.
ISSN 1309-7202.
Available at: <https://eu-journal.org/index.php/EJPE/article/view/3>. Date accessed: 29 apr. 2024.
Issue
Section
Articles
The copyright for all articles belongs to the authors. All other copyright is held by the journal.
