• Journal of Science Education
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.47-57
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the lesson using the newly developed Phase Change Model of Venus can change ninth graders' geocentrical concept related to the progression of the phase of Venus. In order to know students' concept change of the progression of the phases of Venus, test sheets and a questionnaire regarding solar systems were developed and used pre and post test. The results showed that many students have an astronomical preconception of geocentricism, and some students have an especially poor scientific understanding of the solar system. However, there were significant changes in students' conceptual levels (p<.05) after teaching with the Venus's Phase Change Model. Therefore, teaching with the Phase Change Model of Venus was effective on students' scientific conceptual change from geocentricism to heliocentricism.