A lesson plan revisiting the Eratosthenes experiment to teach the seasons inductively from a space-based perspective

Abstract

This paper presents a lesson plan designed to teach seventh-grade students about the seasons and reflections of the students using an inductive approach from a space-based perspective. The plan establishes students’ prior knowledge of the topic and continues with the Eratosthenes experiment as a central experience. Eratosthenes experimented in the 250s BC and calculated the Earth’s circumference during the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Teachers used this experiment as a practical learning tool to teach the concept of seasons using the inductive method. Eleven seventh-grade students from Turkey, thirty middle-grade students from Indonesia, and their science teachers participated in the study. The students conducted the Eratosthenes experiment in vernal equinox in Turkey and Indonesia and calculated the circumference of the Earth. The measurements were taken in the experiment from a space-based perspective. After conducting the Eratosthenes experiment, the students reflected on their experiences. They discussed the connection of the experiment to the causes of the seasons. Afterwards, teachers conducted direct instruction and problem-solving activities related to the seasons. Reflections from student experiences and experiments were discussed. The study concluded that the lesson plan involving the Eratosthenes experiment provides an in-depth experience for students and enhances their understanding of the factors related to the space-based perspective.