Comparison of students’ and teachers’ mental models of day and night, seasons and lunar phases: an analysis based on astronomical reference frames

Authors

  • Diego Galperin
  • Marcelo Alvarez
  • Leonardo Heredia
  • Rayén Saéz
  • Anabel Milner

Keywords:

Mental models; Day and night; Seasons; Moon phases; Astronomical reference frame

Abstract

This work analyzes the evolution of mental models present in students and teachers about day and night, seasons and lunar phases. An inquiry based on drawings and explanations was carried out with 292 primary and secondary students and with teachers of all levels. The responses were classified into mental models categories. A small evolution was detected during schooling and the presence of similar conceptions in both groups. However, significant differences were identified in relation to the astronomical reference frame used predominantly by each one of them. The results suggest the revision of the way in which these contents are developed in schools and in preservice teacher education.

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Published

2020-11-18

Issue

Section

Trabajos presentados a SIEF

How to Cite

Comparison of students’ and teachers’ mental models of day and night, seasons and lunar phases: an analysis based on astronomical reference frames. (2020). Journal of Physics Teaching, 32, 117-124. https://revistas.unc.edu.ar/index.php/revistaEF/article/view/30973