Investigating the effectiveness of using a real and a virtual model in teaching astronomy concepts to elementary students. The cases of the eclipse phenomena

This paper examines and compares the degree of effectiveness of utilizing a tangible, hands on model and a virtual simulation model when teaching the astronomy concepts of eclipse phenomena. A number of 77 students of the fifth and sixth grade of Primary Schools of Patras participated in the research. The didactic intervention included appropriately structured scenarios and worksheets that were utilized by the students and facilitated the teaching of the specific astronomy concepts. The method followed included the use of a pre and post-test questionnaire as well as a focus group discussion. The results highlight the effectiveness of the use of hands-on models, which enhance the learning outcomes as well as learners’ motivation to participate in the educational process.