Solar Walk (True-to-Scale Display Mode)
About the Intervention
Solar Walk is a software application for iPads that enables users to navigate a simulated, realistic-looking 3D solar environment using a pinch-to-zoom interface. The intervention specifically uses the true-to-scale (TTS) display mode, which shows planetary bodies in accurate scale. The application is intended to help high school students learn about the structure of the solar system, including the order of planets and the shape and size of their orbits. Students work individually with the iPad app during their regular science classes for about 20 minutes per day. Teachers provide only clarifying information during implementation, following a written protocol.
Statistical Findings
No effect: on general solar system knowledge
No effect: on scale-related solar system knowledge
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
N/APrograms & Services
General EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Citation
(2014). WWC Review of the Report "Conceptualizing Astronomical Scale: Virtual Simulations on Handheld Tablet Computers Reverse Misconceptions." What Works Clearinghouse Single Study Review (ED546898). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED546898.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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