Analyzes the historical context that led to the founding of the society. Relates the ideas and reactions of key figures of the time such as James Lick, George Hale, E.C. Pickering, and S. Newcomb. (GS)

Describes how a planetarium demonstration can be adapted for blind students and deaf students. (BR)

Presents a role-playing situation used in an astronomy unit for eighth grade students. (PEB)

This publication illustrates the features of Jupiter and its family of satellites pictured by the Pioneer and the Voyager missions. Chapters included are: (1) "The Jovian System" (describing the history of astronomy); (2) "Pioneers to Jupiter" (outlining the Pioneer Mission); (3) "The Voyager Mission"; (4)…

This document provides eleven year trend data of physics and astronomy degrees granted at the bachelors, masters, and doctors level. Undergraduate and graduate student enrollment in physics and astronomy are also included. (SL)

This document presents the summary results of the 1976 employment survey of physics and astronomy graduates of the class of 1975-76 as conducted by the American Institute of Physics (AIP). Data presented include employment status 6-18 months after graduation; background characteristics of doctoral, master's and bachelor's level physicists; time…

Presents two calculations of the probability of detection of an interstellar comet, under the hypothesis that such comets would escape from comet clouds similar to that believed to surround the sun. Proposes three problems, each of which would be a reasonable term project for a motivated undergraduate. (Author/MLH)

Recommends that teachers make use of the motivation that many young people devote to hobbies. Gives examples of this approach including the study of force, speed, work, power and various electrical concepts with model trains; acceleration and velocity with rocketry; focal length, magnification, field of view with astronomy and photography. (GS)

Describes a course, without laboratory, using rudimentary algebra and covering such topics as gravitation, orbital mechanics, atomic structure, geomagnetism, electromagnetic spectrum, theory of relativity, extraterrestrial life, and interstellar travel. (GH)

Describes a secondary project in which students must organize an expedition to settle the people of the Earth on a new planet. (MLH)

This paper presents the situation of women scientists in the United States in the fields of physics and astronomy. It gives a brief picture of the situation since the beginning of the 18th century and up to the start of this century. During the past 77 years, the percentage of participation of women in the two fields has fluctuated with a sharp…

This science unit is designed primarily for newcomer Chinese students and for those who are continuing in the Chinese Bilingual Pilot Program, sponsored through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title VII. It is designed for limited and non English speaking students at the middle school level. The three sections of the unit cover the…

This booklet contains material prepared by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) office of Space Science and Applications for presentation to the United States Congress. It contains discussion of basic research, its value as a source of knowledge, techniques and skills that go into the development of technology, and practical…