Undergraduate students’ understanding of the Moon phase change in a course for trainee teachers in compulsory education

Abstract

The authors conducted two classes for undergraduate students. The aim of these experimental classes is to find better way to reduce the number of students with misconceptions related to the Moon’s phase change and increase the number of students with correct understanding of a lunar eclipse. To make deep knowledge of a lunar eclipse, in one class, we carried out practical work utilizing the scale size model kits. In another class, the students performed the work utilizing conceptual model kits. Finally, we found that the scale size model kit could reduce the number of students who believe the Moon phase change occurs due to a lunar eclipse.