Some students hold misconceptions about the age of the solar system

Earth and Space

Misconception RESEARCH REVIEW

Namely, that the solar system formed during the Big Bang, along with the rest of the universe and not much later. They may also use a variety of incorrect constructs to explain the age of the universe and solar system.

Resources to address this

  • The solar system: what do we know? (11-14)

    This is a summary of what is known about the solar system.

    View Resource

References

  • Sharp, G, J., () Children's astronomical beliefs: a preliminary study of Year 6 children in south‐west England, International Journal of Science Education, 18 (6) 685-712.

    Key paper digest

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RESEARCH REVIEW Earth and Space

Some students assume that the distances between planets in the solar system are much smaller than they are

  • Number of Resources3
  • Number of References4
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources2
RESEARCH REVIEW Earth and Space

Few students still have the idea that the Earth is flat and round

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RESEARCH REVIEW Earth and Space

Some students use the idea of light not travelling in straight lines to say that sunlight can strike the Earth from different directions

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