Conceptual Change Through Building Three-Dimensional Virtual Models

In this study we assessed the growth of university students' conceptual understanding of the seasons of the Earth, and eclipses and phases of the Moon upon completing a threedimensional (3-D) modeling-based Introduction to Astronomy course. Interviews prior to the course identified a range of student alternative frameworks regarding the composition and mechanics of the Solar System. During the course, student groups constructed three 3-D models of increasing complexity representing different aspects of the Solar System. Students explored these models in a 3-D virtual environment and posted their final projects on the course World Wide Web page. Post interviews were targeted toward quantitative and qualitative assessment of student conceptual growth. Students showed significant improvement in their conceptual understanding concerning the phases and eclipses of the Moon and reasons for the seasons. Results also suggest that 3-D modeling can be used to support students' understanding of many fundamental astronomy topics.