The aim of this study is to introduce an educational game called The Star Game, and to examine its effects on prospective science teachers' conceptual understanding of stars. In addition, their opinions of The Star Game were examined. The study was conducted with a total of 54 prospective teachers in three groups. The Star Game was played in all…

Describes the use of the Keller Plan in a course designed for non-science majors. The students perceived the unit tests and their immediate correction by the instructor as the most important component of their learning. (GS)

As an example of design-based research, this study refined an assessment strategy for simultaneously enhancing inquiry-based learning and supporting achievement on conventional assessment measures. "Astronomy Village[R]: Investigating the Universe[TM]" is a software program designed to engage secondary science students in authentic and…

Explores Montessori's concept of cosmic education and recommends expanding it in school curricula. Suggests integration of science about the universe and earth with intuitions about the meaning of life and humans' role in the universe. Discusses God versus chance as the source of life, and emphasizes developing cosmic values and responsibilities.…

The operation of the Hall of Science as a museum and as an educational center is noted. Descriptions of 30 science education projects currently underway are provided. (CP)

Presents a report about astronomy education in the United Kingdom. Some of the views about astronomy activities in schools and the importance of teaching astronomy and space science in British schools are included. (HM)

Provides the outline of an introductory college-level physics course which combines astronomy, astrophysics, relativity and communications with a study of civilizations and the conditions necessary for life. Student comments and an informal evaluation of the course are included. (CP)

This study investigates the effects on various learning outcomes of an inquiry-based multimedia learning environment called Astronomy Village: Investigating the Universe. Students were pre-/post-tested on their conceptual understanding, well-structured problem solving abilities, and ill-structured problem solving abilities. The results of the…

This publication is the final report of the activities performed in the development of an introductory astronomy course operated in a competency based mode. The objective was for the course to be completely opposite from one which emphasizes memorization of factual knowledge. Instead, the student was to be involved in activities where he or she…

Reported is a study of a syllabus designed to teach students how to determine a position by celestial means. The syllabus was intended to augment existing curricula and be a topic for special interest groups and not designed as a semester-long course in itself. Each of the 14 lessons included was preceded by specific objectives written in…

Describes the implementation and impact of a two-semester mastery-oriented astrophysics sequence for upper-level physics/astrophysics majors designed to handle flexibly a wide range of student backgrounds. A Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) format was used fostering frequent student-instructor interaction and role-modeling behavior in…

Observes that a naive grasp of science makes it difficult to acquire further scientific knowledge. Argues that students must restructure intuitive knowledge to conform to contemporary scientific ideas. Explores mental models that students employ in thinking about scientific concepts. Explains how teachers should work from these models to change…

The need to educate people about the sky as both a psychological and physical environment is discussed, including a formal curriculum schema (sky as habitat, sky as transport, influence on culture) and informal curriculum, with such topics as recreation, pollution, mythology, and clouds. (DC)

Presents the argument that the decline in Astronomy courses in secondary schools from 1894-1957 was caused by the Committee of 10 Report. This report emphasized the requirement of physics and chemistry for admission to college. Astronomy was considered an elective science course stressing direct observations and classroom instruction. (MA)