Misconceptions and Educational Research Common misconceptions
include: - Seasons are caused by Earth's distance from the Sun -
Seasons are caused by Earth's axis changing the degree of tilt -
Earth orbits the Sun in a day Some research has been conducted
on how students understand the seasons, and on most effective
ways to teach this subject: A Private Universe A powerful
collection of video clips of students' astronomical ideas
(seasons and moon phases) and how they change (or don ’t) with
classroom instruction. ages five and above. While much research
needs to be done, the studies reported here offer ideas for how
teachers and curriculum developers can help students achieve the
goals outlined in the National Science Education Standards.
Private Universe Project "Teachers Lab" Designed for classroom
teachers, this site begins with a 5-question conceptual
assessment survey of the visitor ’s ideas about lunar phases and
seasons. The information is presented with a discussion of
typical responses. Classroom act