Research Article

From Newton to Einstein: Conceptual gains and gender equity in teaching gravity at the primary level

Georgia Vakarou 1 , Konstantinos T. Kotsis 1 *
More Detail
1 Lab of Physics Education and Teaching, Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GREECE* Corresponding Author
Eurasian Journal of Science and Environmental Education, 6(1), June 2026, 31-41, https://doi.org/10.30935/ejsee/18246
Submitted: 14 August 2025, Published: 15 April 2026
OPEN ACCESS   74 Views   75 Downloads
Download Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

The general theory of relativity, developed by Albert Einstein, represents the most precise scientific framework for elucidating gravity. Despite its fundamental importance in modern physics and its ability to elucidate cosmic events, it is predominantly excluded from educational curricula, especially at the primary level. This study examines sixth-grade pupils’ introductory, model-based conceptual representations of Einsteinian gravity in Greek primary schools and assesses the impact of gender on learning outcomes. A pedagogical intervention utilizing guided inquiry and a spacetime simulator (rubber sheet analogy) was executed in six educational institutions. Students administered a written multiple-choice questionnaire prior to and after the intervention. The results demonstrated a notable enhancement in students’ comprehension of gravitational events in accordance with the Einsteinian paradigm. Statistical study (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) revealed no significant disparity in performance improvements between males and girls. The results indicate that young learners may comprehend non-Newtonian gravity models when adequately supported, and that gender does not serve as a significant determinant in conceptual understanding. The discussion encompasses implications for curricular reform and gender-inclusive pedagogies.
Keywords: Einsteinian gravity, primary education, conceptual understanding, gender equity, modern physics curriculum

CITATION (APA)

Vakarou, G., & Kotsis, K. T. (2026). From Newton to Einstein: Conceptual gains and gender equity in teaching gravity at the primary level. Eurasian Journal of Science and Environmental Education, 6(1), 31-41. https://doi.org/10.30935/ejsee/18246

REFERENCES

  1. Baldy, E. (2007). A new educational perspective for teaching gravity. International Journal of Science Education, 29(14), 1767-1788. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500690601083367
  2. Cherepashchuk, A. M., & Chernin, A. D. (2008). Modern cosmology: Facts and ideas. Moscow University Physics Bulletin, 63(5), 299-314. https://doi.org/10.3103/S0027134908050019
  3. Choudhary, R., Foppoli, A., Kaur, T., Blair, D., Zadnik, M., & Meagher, R. (2018). Can a short intervention focused on gravitational waves and quantum physics improve students’ understanding and attitude? Physics Education, 53(6), Article 065020. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/aae26a
  4. Dua, Y. S., Blair, D. G., Kaur, T., & Choudhary, R. K. (2020). Can Einstein’s theory of general relativity be taught to Indonesian high school students? Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 9(1), 50-58. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i1.22468
  5. Ehlers, J. (2007). General relativity theory. In I. O. Stamatescu, & E. Seiler (Eds.), Approaches to fundamental physics. Lecture notes in physics, vol. 721 (pp. 91-104). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-71117-9_5
  6. Foppoli, A., Choudhary, R., Blair, D., Kaur, T., Moschilla, J., & Zadnik, M. (2019). Public and teacher response to Einsteinian physics in schools. Physics Education, 54(1), Article 015001. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/aae4a4
  7. Gönen, S. (2008). A study on student teachers’ misconceptions and scientifically acceptable conceptions about mass and gravity. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 17, 70-81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-007-9083-1
  8. Greca, I. M., & Freire, O. (2014). Meeting the challenge: Quantum physics in introductory physics courses. In M. R. Matthews (Ed.), International handbook of research in history, philosophy and science teaching (pp. 183-209). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7654-8_7
  9. Günther, H., & Müller, V. (2020). The special theory of relativity: Einstein’s world in new axiomatics. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7783-9
  10. Kamphorst, F., Vollebregt, M. J., Savelsbergh, E. R., & van Joolingen, W. R. (2023). An educational reconstruction of special relativity theory for secondary education. Science & Education, 32, 57-100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-021-00283-2
  11. Kassetas, A. I. (2004). To milo kai to quark: Didaktiki tis physikis [The apple and the quark: Physics teaching]. Savalas.
  12. Kaur, T., Blair, D., Burman, R., Gower, G., Horne, E., Mitchell, D., Moschilla, J., Stannard, W., Treagust, D., Venville, G., & Zadnik, M. (2017a). Teaching the Einsteinian gravity paradigm. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.1703.00164
  13. Kaur, T., Blair, D., Moschilla, J., Stannard, W., & Zadnik, M. (2017b). Teaching Einsteinian physics at schools: Part 1, models and analogies for relativity. Physics Education, 52(6), Article 065012. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/aa83e4
  14. Kaur, T., Blair, D., Choudhary, R. K., Dua, Y. S., Foppoli, A., Treagust, D., & Zadnik, M. (2020). Gender response to Einsteinian physics interventions in school. Physics Education, 55(3), Article 035029. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ab764d
  15. Kavanagh, C., & Sneider, C. I. (2006). Learning about gravity II. Trajectories and orbits: A guide for teachers and curriculum developers. Astronomy Education Review, 5(2), 53-102. https://doi.org/10.3847/AER2006019
  16. Kersting, M., Toellner, R., Blair, D., & Burman, R. (2020). Gravity and warped time–Clarifying conceptual confusions in general relativity. Physics Education, 55(1), Article 015023. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ab56d7
  17. Kotsis, K. T., (2023). Alternative ideas about concepts of physics are a timelessly valuable tool for physics education. Eurasian Journal of Science and Environmental Education, 3(2), 83-97. https://doi.org/10.30935/ejsee/13776
  18. Nik Daud, N. S., Abd Karim, M. M., Wan Hassan, S. W. N., & Rahman, N. A. (2015). Misconception and difficulties in introductory physics among high school and university students: An overview in mechanics. EDUCATUM Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology, 2(1), 34-47.
  19. Olsen, R. V. (2002). Introducing quantum mechanics in the upper secondary school: A study in Norway. International Journal of Science Education, 24(6), 565-574. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500690110073982
  20. Pablico, J. R. (2010). Misconceptions on force and gravity among high school students [Master’s thesis, Louisiana State University].
  21. Postiglione, A., & Angelis, I. D. (2021). Students’ understanding of gravity using the rubber sheet analogy: An Italian experience. Physics Education, 56(2), Article 025020. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/abd1c4
  22. Ruggiero, M. L., Mattiello, S., & Leone, M. (2021). Physics for the masses: Teaching Einsteinian gravity in primary school. Physics Education, 56(6), Article 065011. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ac1ca3
  23. Stefanou, M., Stylos, G., Georgopoulos, K., & Kotsis, K. (2023). Primary preservice teachers’ misconceptions and reasoning of thermal concepts in everyday contexts. The International Journal of Learning in Higher Education, 31(1), 127-157. https://doi.org/10.18848/2327-7955/CGP/v31i01/127-157
  24. Stylos, G., Evangelakis G. A., & Kotsis, K.T., (2008). Misconceptions on classical mechanics by freshman university students: A case study in a physics department in Greece. Themes in Science and Technology Education, 1(2), 157-177. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1131487.pdf
  25. Syuhendri, S. (2019). Student teachers’ misconceptions about gravity. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1185, Article 012047. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1185/1/012047
  26. Velentzas, A., & Halkia, K. (2013). The use of thought experiments in teaching physics to upper secondary-level students: Two examples from the theory of relativity. International Journal of Science Education, 35(18), 3026-3049. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2012.682182
  27. Williamson, K. E., & Willoughby, S. D. (2012). Student understanding of gravity in introductory college astronomy. Astronomy Education Review, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.3847/AER2011025