| Name: Akshat Singhal |
| Affiliation: HOMI BHABHA CENTRE FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION |
| Conference ID: ASI2026_969 |
| Title: Understanding Teachers’ Conceptualisation of Astronomical Scales |
| Abstract Type: Oral |
| Abstract Category: Education, Outreach and Heritage |
| Author(s) and Co-Author(s) with Affiliation: Akshat Singhal(HBCSE-TIFR, Mumbai), Aniket Sule(HBCSE-TIFR, Mumbai), Pritesh Ranadive(HBCSE-TIFR, Mumbai), Sai Shetye(HBCSE-TIFR, Mumbai), Durgesh Gaikwad(HBCSE-TIFR, Mumbai) |
| Abstract: Astronomy involves objects and distances that vary enormously in scale. To interpret observations, we often need proportional reasoning across many orders of magnitude. In this work, we designed a diagnostic questionnaire to characterise teachers’ understanding of astronomical sizes and distances, and to identify common challenges and pitfalls. Participants placed a set of given sizes and distances on a relative number line, with space to add notes. The questionnaire was administered to 90 high-school science teachers across India who were part of a teacher training programme. We analyse their placements to study the ordering, internal consistency across related items, and mental scale models used. We present an initial analysis of recurring patterns in the responses, including common ordering difficulties, frequent pitfalls, and regions where placements are comparatively consistent. These results provide an empirical baseline of strengths and weaknesses in length scale conceptual reasoning about astronomical scales. We also outline with the long-term aim of using it as a diagnostic tool and as a pilot lens for future studies in astronomy teacher education. |
