Urban Second Graders Learning About Sun, Earth, and Moon Through 3D Visualization

• In Event: Roundtable Session 23
  In Roundtable Session: Phases of the Moon and Student Understandings

Abstract

This inquiry-based qualitative case describes second graders’ understanding of five major astronomical concepts: The shapes of Earth, Sun, and Moon, the movements of Moon and Earth, the day and night, Moon phases, and the season through a science unit including 3D visualization. Data collection methods included interviews, documents and artifacts, such as student work and writing samples, and audio-taped science lessons. Findings were analyzed using computational software based on constant comparison and document analysis methods. Results suggest that children had significantly deeper understanding of shapes of these concepts after the unit, whereas they still struggled to comprehend the change in Moon’s appearance and the seasons. The findings challenge our prior understanding about young children’s ability to comprehend different concepts in astronomy.

Authors

• Zeynep Zennur Isik-Ercan, Indiana University - Purdue University at Fort Wayne

• Hatice Zeynep Inan, Dumlupinar University

• Jeffrey Andrew Nowak, Indiana University - Purdue University at Fort Wayne