Exploring A Private Universe Fragments

What is a common misconception about the cause of the seasons?

• The rotation of the Earth

• The phases of the moon

• The distance between the Earth and the Sun

• The tilt of the Earth's axis

How do many people incorrectly visualize the Earth's orbit?

• As a square

• As a straight line

• As a perfect circle

• As a highly exaggerated ellipse

What percentage of Harvard students, faculty, and alumni revealed misconceptions about the seasons or moon phases?

• 100%

• 91%

• 75%

• 50%

What do 9th-grade students often believe about the distance between the Earth and the Sun during different seasons?

• It remains constant

• It only changes during winter

• It only changes during summer

• It changes, causing the seasons

What is a common misconception about the phases of the moon?

• They are caused by the Earth's shadow

• They are caused by the moon's rotation

• They are caused by the sun's rotation

• They are caused by the moon's distance from the Earth

What unique theory did a student create to explain the phases of the moon?

• Clouds block parts of the moon

• The moon's distance from the Earth changes

• The moon changes shape

• The Earth's shadow causes the phases

What did a student believe about the visibility of stars during the daytime?

• They are blocked by the moon

• They are still there but not visible

• They disappear

• They move to the other side of the Earth

How did Heather describe the Earth's orbit?

• A square

• A perfect circle

• A straight line

• A curlicue orbit

According to Heather, what happens when the Earth's axis causes indirect sun rays?

• It becomes summer

• It becomes winter

• It becomes spring

• It becomes autumn

What did Heather incorrectly believe about the sun's rays?

• They travel in a straight line

• They bounce off and cause seasons

• They only reach the southern hemisphere

• They are blocked by the moon