Helping Them Understand: Astronomy for Grades 5 and 6
Article
David H. McKinnon, Helen Geissinger, Lena Danaia, Charles Sturt University, Australia
ITCE Volume 2002, Number 1, ISSN 1522-8185 Publisher: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)
Abstract
This article reports on research into learning gains made by children aged 10-12 when they studied astronomy using learning activities in a constructivist environment consolidated by access through the Internet to a scientific-grade telescope. Young people often hold naïve or alternative ideas about scientific phenomena from early childhood. Since these ideas may be believed well into adulthood in spite of attempts to dislodge them, educators must address the problem actively from grade school onward. In the program reported in the article, a learning environment supported by peer interaction and access to exciting and credible Internet resources has lead to the discard of naïve ideas and acceptance of explanations based on scientific findings.
Citation
McKinnon, D.H., Geissinger, H. & Danaia, L. (2002). Helping Them Understand: Astronomy for Grades 5 and 6. Information Technology in Childhood Education Annual, 2002(1), 263-275. Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved March 28, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/10814/.
© 2002 Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)
Keywords
References
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