Mental models of science teachers and 8th grade students on the occupation of seasons: A case study

In this study, it was aimed at determine the mental models of science teachers and 8th grade students about the formation of seasons. The research was conducted with the nested single case pattern of the case study method, one of the qualitative research methods. The study group of the research consists of 3 science teachers working in three different secondary schools in the central district of Malatya in the 2022-2023 academic year, and 6 students of each of these teachers, a total of 18 8th grade students. The data of the study were collected by using two semi-structured interview forms, the teacher mental model determination form and the student mental model determination form, which were developed by the researcher by taking expert opinions, and the teacher's in-class observation form. The questions in the student interview form consist of 7 open-ended questions in line with the achievements in the 8th grade Science Curriculum. The questions in the teacher interview form, on the other hand, consist of 2 open-ended questions in the same direction. Frequency tables were created by gathering similar responses from students and teachers to the interview form under the same themes. The students' mental models were obtained from the answers given by the students to the questions (explanation, drawing and modeling with play dough). Likewise, the teachers' mental models were obtained from the answers given by the teachers to the questions (explanation and drawing). As a result of the findings, it was seen that none of the students had scientific models for the formation of the seasons. While the majority of the students (88.9%) had synthesis mental models about this subject, it was determined that a small number of students (11.1%) had primitive mental models. It was determined that none of the teachers had a primitive model on this subject, one teacher had a scientific model and two teachers had synthesis models. As a result of the research, it was determined that the knowledge deficiencies identified in the literature continued in the students, and in addition, the existence of some knowledge deficiencies (circle of enlightenment) about this subject, which were not encountered in the literature. Key words: Case Study, Mental Model, Astronomy Education, Science Teachers, Formation of Seasons, Secondary School Students