Models Usage in Teaching Astronomy and Visual Literacy

Authors : Aslı YERLİKAYA, Mahir YERLİKAYA

Pages : 77-94

View : 21 | Download : 14

Publication Date : 2016-06-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Visuals are used everywhere in our lives and are frequently used in educational environments. Scientific visualizations used in the educational environments can be a picture or a diagram or a TV show etc. Like the others, models are scientific visuals which are used for teaching science and especially in teaching astronomical concepts. If we talk about a visual, we should think about how we understand or re-create or teach the visual. Visual literacy is based on the idea that visuals can be “read”. In the light of this knowledge, this study is aimed to present if there is a relation between the use of models in teaching astronomy and visual literacy. The significance of the study stems from its presenting connections between astronomy, models and visual literacy, which were not found in Turkish literature. For this purpose, the goals stated in Turkish National Science Program for 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8th classes about models in astronomy were determined. And the goals were examined in the light of visual literacy. It is considered that visual literacy is important for understanding, analyzing and re-creating models which can be used for better science teaching and learning. It can be said that model usage in astronomy and visual literacy is connected.  
Keywords : visual literacy, astronomy, models, science education