International Journal of Science Education
By E. V. Slater, J. E. Morris & D. McKinnon
“Astronomy Alternative Conceptions in Preadolescent Students in Western Australia”
Publisher:
17/40
Pp. 2158-2180
2014
Astronomy Alternative Conceptions in Preadolescent Students in Western Australia
Type: Empirical
Data collection method: Test
Number of subjects, range: Large — 31 or more
Grade and age of subjects:
Major alternative conceptions
Day and night
-
The Earth orbits the Sun daily.
-
The Sun orbits the Earth daily.
-
The Moon blocks light from reaching the Earth.
Phases of the Moon
- A full Moon occurs when the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth.
- The Earth blocks light from reaching the Moon (eclipse model).
- Different amounts of light reach the Moon.
- Clouds cause the change in the appearance of the Moon
The seasons
- The Earth’s distance from the Sun causes the Seasons.
- The orientation of the Earth causes the Seasons.