Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Science Education, 2025 (SSCI)
This study aims to develop a spatial ability test specifically designed for pre-service science teachers studying astronomy. Unlike existing spatial ability tests, which primarily use angular geometric objects, this test is constructed entirely with spherical structures to better reflect the nature of celestial bodies in astronomy education. Initially, a review of existing spatial ability tests was conducted, revealing a gap in assessments tailored to astronomy-related spatial reasoning. To address this, a 16-item test based on spherical representations was developed. The initial version was reviewed by experts, and revisions were made based on their feedback. A pilot study was conducted with pre-service science teachers (N = 354) enrolled in astronomy courses at three universities in Türkiye during the 2023–2024 academic year. The test’s validity and reliability were assessed using item analysis, including internal consistency. Results showed an average difficulty index of 0.59, a discrimination index of 0.45, and a reliability coefficient of 0.66, indicating acceptable psychometric properties. Findings suggest that the test effectively measures spatial reasoning skills essential for understanding astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and moon phases. Its implementation in astronomy education may enhance spatial thinking. Future research could expand the test’s scope and examine its applicability in educational settings.