Barnett and Moran (2002) investigated student conceptions about the Moon and utilized a
curriculum to help students develop an understanding of the Sun/Earth/Moon system. The
approach used an “eclectic” mix of instructional materials including a 3D computer model. The
instructional approach was consistent with current thinking about conceptual change theory
(seePosner et. al. 1982), namely respecting student ideas, whether scientific or not, and building on
those existing student ideas by providing ways for students to make the proper connections
toward a scientific understanding.