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Hello Nancy,

There is a good amount of literature on misconceptions people hold about astronomical concepts.

Before we developed a mechanical interactive about tides on Earth, I found some research which indicated that many people were unaware that tides occurred on opposites sides of the Earth at the same time (i.e. matching high and low tides on opposite sides) and that there are roughly two high and two low tides in 24 hours. 

The exhibit and graphic panel text tried to show this, and with visitor testing, a number of people expressed surprise at these points (reflecting the academic research).

You're probably also aware of surveys (US and UK) showing how some people don't realise that Earth orbits the Sun (they instead believe that the Sun moves around the Earth).

I haven't been involved in exhibits dealing with the Universe, big bang, etc., only dealing with the Milky Way and Solar System.

Excellent images can be found/purchased through
NASA http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/
David Malin (Australia) http://www.davidmalin.com/

The Exploratorium website http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/solar_system/ is excellent for comparing size and distance of planets within the Solar System.

The NASA page for Informal Educators can be found at http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/informal/features/index.html

Cindy Chambers
Questacon Exhibition Services
Canberra, Australia
Email [log in to unmask]

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