PERC 2015 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Probing students' understanding of size and distances in the universe |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | The Introductory Astronomy Questionnaire (IAQ) was translated into Norwegian and given in modified form to (i) 42 pre-service science teachers at the largest teacher-education institution in Norway, before and after instruction of an astronomy module, and (ii) 922 high-school students at different schools in Oslo, the Norwegian capital, 557 of them age 12-13 (before instruction of a physics/astronomy module), and 435 of them age 14-15 (post instruction). This poster presents a ranking task that probed students' understanding of sizes and distances in the universe, along with detailed results. Unexpected findings include significant fractions of high-school students – both before and after instruction – thinking that the radius of the Earth is smaller than the height of the Earth's atmosphere (>55%), that the Pole star is contained within the Solar System (>60%), and that planets are larger than stars (>40%). The pre-service teachers fared better pre-instruction, and also showed more significant gains post-instruction. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Vinesh Rajpaul University of Oxford (Astrophysics/Merton College) Merton College Merton Street Oxford, Non U.S. OX1 4JD Phone: +447472969292 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Christine Lindstrøm - Oslo and Akershus University College) Megan Clare Engel - University of Oxford (Astrophysics/Merton College) |
Contributed Poster | |
| Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |
