Mental Models of 7th Grade Students on Sun, Earth and Moon

Abstract

This study aims at revealing students’ mental models about the concept of the sun, earth and
moon. To this end, a descriptive approach method; case study research design was applied. The study was
conducted with the total sample of 76 students attending 7th grade during the 2010-2011 educational year. A test
including 7 open ended questions was used to collect data. Analysis of the data was done by classifying them in
terms of initial, synthetic or scientific models. The findings indicated that students generally have synthetic
mental models. Backed with the results, it was recommended to teachers that they should take the level of
reasoning and spatial ability of students into account.