Some students think the Earth and Moon are both orbiting the Sun without the Moon orbiting Earth
Earth and Space
Misconception
Diagnostic Resources
The following worksheets may help to identify whether students hold this particular misconception.
For more information, see the University of York BEST website.
Resources to address this
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Movements in the solar system (5-11)
This activity looks at the currently accepted model of the solar system.
View Resource -
The solar system: what do we know? (11-14)
This activity looks at the currently accepted model of the solar system.
View Resource
References
The following studies have documented this misconception:
- Jones, L. B., Lynch, P. P. and Reesink, C., () International Journal of Science Education.
- 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.
- Slater, V. E., Morris, E. J. & McKinnon, D., () Astronomy alternative conceptions in preadolescent students in Western Australia, International Journal of Science Education, 40 (17) 2158-2180.