The objective of this study was to assess the misconceptions held by preservice teachers about essential concepts of the moon related to information taught in elementary schools in Taiwan and to develop multiple-choice test items to identify the misconceptions about the moon. Additionally, this study considered relationships of gender, religion, and science major to misconceptions about the moon. The lack of preparation preservice teachers receive in astronomy is identified and ways of enhancing the earth science teacher training curriculum are suggested. Instrument development, identification of misconceptions, results, effective instructional models, and teaching strategies are discussed. (KR)