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Using a Planetarium Software Program to Promote Conceptual Change with Young Children

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Abstract

This study explored young children’s understandings of targeted lunar concepts, including when the moon can be observed, observable lunar phase shapes, predictable lunar patterns, and the cause of lunar phases. Twenty-one children (ages 7–9 years) from a multi-aged, self-contained classroom participated in this study. The instructional intervention included lunar data gathering, recording, and sharing, which integrated Starry Night planetarium software and an inquiry-based instruction on moon phases. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, student drawings, and a card sorting activity before and after instruction. Students’ lunar calendars and written responses, participant observer field notes, and videotaped class sessions also provided data throughout the study. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Nonparametric statistical analyses were also performed to support the qualitative findings. Results reflected a positive change in children’s conceptual understanding of all targeted concepts including the cause of moon phases, which is remarkable considering the complexity and abstractness of this spatial task. Results provided evidence that computer simulations may reduce the burden on children’s cognitive capacity and facilitate their learning of complex scientific concepts that would not be possible to learn on their own.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hilliard City Schools, Hilliard, OH, 43026, USA

    Sally M. Hobson

  2. College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Kathy Cabe Trundle & Mesut Saçkes

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  1. Sally M. Hobson
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  2. Kathy Cabe Trundle
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  3. Mesut Saçkes
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Correspondence to Sally M. Hobson.

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Hobson, S.M., Trundle, K.C. & Saçkes, M. Using a Planetarium Software Program to Promote Conceptual Change with Young Children. J Sci Educ Technol 19, 165–176 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-009-9189-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-009-9189-8

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