The purpose of this study was to examine how 3-dimensional (3-D) models of the Solar System supported student development of conceptual understandings of various astronomical phenomena that required a change in frame of reference. In the course described in this study, students worked in teams to design and construct 3-D virtual reality computer models of the Solar System. Using a qualitative and methodological approach, we found that computer modeling supported students in learning about astronomy concepts that required a change in frame of reference or perspective. These findings are particularly important for astronomy education because many concepts in astronomy require changing one's perspective within a 3-D space. (Contains 2 figures, and 2 tables.)