Preservice elementary teachers' conceptions of the causes of seasons

This study used both a written procedure and a procedure of models with verbal explanation to investigate 49 preservice elementary teachers' conceptions of what causes the seasons. Only one person each provided a response on each procedure which reflected a scientific conception. A total of 39 students provided alternative conception responses on the written procedure: 42 students provided responses judged to reflect alternative conceptions on the models with verbal explanation procedure. The distance of the earth from the sun was the most commonly expressed alternative conception on both procedures. Many students were not consistent in providing a particular alternative conception for the two procedures, which indicates that the alternative conceptions expressed may not be firmly held. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

An investigation of an experiment model in the physical sciences for the junior high student

An experiment designed to increase the students' capacity for investigating physical science problems empirically.     

Fourth‐grade Elementary Students’ Conceptions of Standards‐based Lunar Concepts

Fourth‐grade students’ knowledge of observable moon phases and patterns of change, as well as conceptual understanding of the cause of moon phases, was investigated before and after special instruction. Pretest and post‐test data for 48 students were used to address the research question related to observable moon phases and patterns of change. Interviews were conducted with 10 students on a post‐only basis to provide data on understanding the cause of moon phases. The researchers used the constant comparative method to analyse data. Pretest results indicate these students had not met the expectations expressed in the U.S. Science Education Standards for lunar concepts. Post‐test results reveal a very positive performance on observable moon phases and patterns of change, as well as the cause of moon phases. Interpretation and implications of these findings are provided.