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Peer-reviewed article

Early Elementary Students' Development of Astronomy Concepts in the Planetarium

July 24, 2014 | Media and Technology, Informal/Formal Connections
The National Science Education Standards [National Research Council (1996) National science education standards. Washington, DC: National Academy Press] recommend that students understand the apparent patterns of motion of the sun, moon and stars by the end of early elementary school. However, little information exists on students’ ability to learn these concepts. This study examines the change in students’ understanding of apparent celestial motion after attending a planetarium program using kinesthetic learning techniques. Pre- and post-interviews were conducted with participants from seven classes of first and second grade students (N¼63). Students showed significant improvement in knowledge of all areas of apparent celestial motion covered by the planetarium program. This suggests that students in early elementary school are capable of learning the accurate description of apparent celestial motion. The results also demonstrate the value of both kinesthetic learning techniques and the rich visual environment of the planetarium for improved understanding of celestial motion.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Pennsylvania State University
    Contributor
  • 2014 07 24 Julia Plummer July 2013
    Author
    Pennsylvania State University
  • Citation

    Publication Name: Journal of Research in Science Teaching
    Volume: 46
    Page Number: 192-209
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Education and learning science | Space science
    Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Planetarium and Science on a Sphere | Informal/Formal Connections | K-12 Programs

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