In-Service Science Teachers' Ideas about the Phases of the Moon and Brightest Star

Abstract

In this study, 32 science teachers' ideas were studied to determine the phases of the moon and brightest star. Teachers' ideas were grouped under 'right answer', 'misconceptions' and 'no response' categories. About the phases of the moon, correct answer rate was very low and majority of teachers' responses were misconceptions. None of the teachers could give correct answer about the brightest star at night in the summer. For these two concepts, a variety of misconceptions were encountered, more detailed conclusions were reached in the end of semi-structured interviews that were conducted with teachers who hold misconceptions.