Analyzing Causes of Seasonal Changes Displayed by Primary Teachers at the Equator

This study was conducted to examine 10 Belizean teachers' conceptions about the causes of seasonal change. This research was conducted with an integrated method using a open ended written test and an interview which included a drawing. There are four categories, explained by the teachers, as the causes of seasonal changes. They are; climate, rotation of the earth on its axis, revolution of the earth around the sun, and the tilting of earth's axis as it revolves. Most teachers misunderstood that the first of three categories was responsible for seasonal change. Second, it is more effective to use the integrated method shown in this research than to use only a written test when seriously investigating the causes and understanding of seasonal change. Third, 8 out of 10 teachers could not correctly explain the causes of seasonal change. The reasons for seasonal change seemed to be hard for the informants to understand even though it was taught in elementary, middle, high school, and college elective classes.