Preservice Teachers Earth Science Understandings: Then and Now

• In Event: Science Teacher Education and Professional Development

Abstract

This sequential explanatory mixed methods study builds upon research conducted 25 years ago examining how well pre-service teachers (PSTs) understand astronomical concepts they are expected to teach. Specifically, we utilized a Spatial Visualization framework to investigate: (a) How well do PSTs score on a lunar phases and seasons assessment after having received instruction in PHY160 designed for elementary PSTs? (b) How do PSTs’ astronomical conceptions relate to their Earth-based and Space-based perspectives? Quantitative data consisted of students completing a content survey assessing cause of phases, cause of seasons, and understanding Earth/Moon/Sun scale. Qualitative data involved interviews concerning 2D/3D Earth/Moon/Sun modeling of lunar phases and Earth/Sun modeling of seasons. In comparing Earth-based and Space-based understanding, PSTs performed better on Earth-based questions.

Authors

• Jennifer A. Wilhelm, University of Kentucky

• Rebecca McNall Krall, University of Kentucky