Children Thinking about Models: Analyzing a Globe

The purpose of this study was to explore to what extent 87 grade 5 (10-12-year-old) children, supported by instruction about scientific models, could engage in thinking beyond a naive realist level about a globe. A qualitative framework allowed analysis of children's responses to worksheet questions in which they identified analog-target correspondence and how models act as tools for thinking. Children's responses were further analyzed using visual factors (Goldsmith, 1984) and interacting components (Mathewson, 2005) organized to highlight semiotic challenges associated with the models. The data demonstrated a beginning sophistication in thinking about models that for more than half the children was beyond a naive realist level. Further research with children working with models of less familiar targets and multiple models of the same target is recommended.