Experimenting and thematically analyzing the project study to increase effectiveness of the case of the formation of seasons

Abstract

Teacher education is a critical component of the educational system, as it provides the skills and knowledge necessary for effective instruction in science and other related subjects. The purpose of this research is to enhance the incomplete and incorrect knowledge and skills of science teachers related to the formation of seasons by using a physical model that reveals the “change in the amount of energy per unit surface (CAEUS)”. Twenty-nine teachers from different regions of the country conducted experimental studies with physical models related to the formation of seasons, as part of a 5-day training program that included topics on astronomy. In this study, in which descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and thematic analysis were used, it was observed that the comprehension of the causes and effects of the change in the amount of energy per unit surface was very successful in the development of mental models for understanding the seasons. Furthermore, the teachers reported that they were able to use the knowledge and skills they gained from the program in their teaching practice. The results obtained were compared with the literature and interpreted accordingly. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023.