1. A Cross-Age Study of Pupils' Conceptions Concerning the Movement of Air Masses in the Troposphere.
- Author
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Papadimitriou, Vasiliki and Londridou, Paraskevi
- Abstract
Since weather plays an important role in many ways in our everyday life, the study of meteorological phenomena by school children becomes of great importance in enhancing their scientific literacy. This necessity becomes even more important today, as these phenomena are connected to serious environmental problems such as climate change and air pollution. The reported research deals with the investigation of children's conceptions about the movement of air masses in the troposphere, as this movement constitutes an important factor in the generation of the meteorological phenomena and the dispersion of air pollutants. Thirteen children from 12 up to 18 years old were interviewed by using a semi-structured questionnaire. From the analysis of their answers, it was found that the children of all ages had difficulties in explaining the mechanisms of movement of air masses in troposphere. Moreover, it was found that they held many misconceptions concerning the role of science concepts such as density, pressure, temperature, heat, and forces in connection with the motion of air masses in the troposphere. Also, it was found that, in their explanations, they don't use knowledge taught in school, and the construction of their ideas about these issues was influenced by their sensations, the mass media, as well as utilitarian considerations. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)
- Published
- 2001