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Development and validation of a learning progression for change of seasons, solar and lunar eclipses, and moon phases
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Metadata
Title
Development and validation of a learning progression for change of seasons, solar and lunar eclipses, and moon phases
Abstract
In this paper, we report about the development and validation of a learning progression about the Celestial Motion big idea. Existing curricula, research studies on alternative conceptions about these phenomena, and students’ answers to an open questionnaire were the starting point to develop initial learning progressions about change of seasons, solar and lunar eclipses, and Moon phases; then, a two-tier multiple choice questionnaire was designed to validate and improve them. The questionnaire was submitted to about 300 secondary students of different school levels (14 to 18 years old). Item response analysis and curve integral method were used to revise the hypothesized learning progressions. Findings support that spatial reasoning is a key cognitive factor for building an explanatory framework for the Celestial Motion big idea, but also suggest that causal reasoning based on physics mechanisms underlying the phenomena, as light flux laws or energy transfers, may significantly impact a students’ understanding. As an implication of the study, we propose that the teaching of the three discussed astronomy phenomena should follow a single teaching-learning path along the following sequence: (i) emphasize from the beginning the geometrical aspects of the Sun-Moon-Earth system motion; (ii) clarify consequences of the motion of the Sun-Moon-Earth system, as the changing solar radiation flow on the surface of Earth during the revolution around the Sun; (iii) help students moving between different reference systems (Earth and space observer’s perspective) to understand how Earth’s rotation and revolution can change the appearance of the Sun and Moon. Instructional and methodological implications are also briefly discussed.
Date
01/01/2015
Citation
Testa, I., Galano, S., Leccia, S., & Puddu, E. (2015). Development and validation of a learning progression for change of seasons, solar and lunar eclipses, and moon phases. Physical Review Special Topics - Physics Education Research, 11(2), 20102. https:
Type of Publication
Author(s)
Testa, Italo | Galano, Silvia | Leccia, Silvio | Puddu, Emanuella
Construct
Methodology
Target Group
Institution(s)
University Federico II | Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte
Journal Name
Physical Review Special Topics - Physics Education Research
Peer-Reviewed Status
Publisher
American Physical Society
Volume
11
Issue Number
2
ISSN
2469-9896
Resource Type
Nation(s) of Study
Italy
Language
English