Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 6, Issue 2, Article 1 (Dec., 2005)
Shu-Chiu LIU
From geocentric to heliocentric model of the universe, and the alternative perspectives
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From geocentric to heliocentric model of the universe, and the alternative perspectives

Shu-Chiu LIU

Physics Education/ History and Philosophy of Science
Institute of Physics, University of Oldenburg
26111 Oldenburg
GERMANY

E-mail: shu.c.liu@mail.uni-oldenburg.de

Received 22 September, 2005
Revised 30 November, 2005

Contents

Abstract

A recent study (Liu, 2005a, 2005b) revealed a limited number of alternative models of the universe held by young students in Taiwan and in Germany. In line with the previous findings, these alternative models frequently fall into two groups: earth-centred and sun-centred views, which draw a correspondence to the ideas in the European history of astronomy. However, the data also show that students do know the universe is infinite but only discuss an "observational" universe, whose centre is either the sun or the earth. This way of inquiring into the sky has also its analogy in the history of Chinese science. It seems that students' models share a common place with the historical ideas, and moreover, show alternatives to geocentric and heliocentric views of the universe. This seems to consequently convey an accessing point where the pre-scientific models may be operated to assist students in the learning process towards understanding the targeted subject.

 

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