Described is a high school astronomy course developed by gifted students. Students are asked to apply contemporary astronomical principles in designing a consistent and scientifically plausible world in orbit around a nearby star. The course can be used in traditional high school settings and with students not initially favorably inclined toward…

Presented are information and myths related to the stars and constellations that are visible in the spring and summer sky. Illustrations accompanying the text depict the more common constellations. (SA)

New findings about the planet, Saturn and its environs, as collected by Pioneer 11 are detailed. Topics discussed include: the composition of the planet's interior, the search for new satellites, and the planet's magnetic field. (BT)

Presents the philosophy and mechanics of a professionally oriented astronomy laboratory for nonscience majors. Design of the laboratory, description of the exercises, and the results of using this approach at the University of Kansas are also described. (HM)

Presents a resource listing that includes those items which can potentially enhance an activity-oriented science curriculum. These materials are accessible to teachers at local schools, in libraries, and by mail. Each entry is coded for instructional intent: primary, elementary, and intermediate. Usual bibliographic information is provided. (MA)

Discusses the following: another version of Doppler beats; alternate proof of spin-1 sin-1/2 problems; some mechanisms related to Dirac's strings; Doppler redshift in oblique approach of source and observer; undergraduate experiment on noise thermometry; use of the time evolution operator; resolution of an entropy maximization controversy;…

Describes a simple method to measure the size of the Earth to an accuracy of order of magnitude 10 percent. The procedure involves finding the time interval between two sunsets, a sunset observed at sea level while lying down, and a sunset viewed at eye height after standing up. (GA)

Discusses the meaning of readability, and describes several popular methods of assessing it. Gives the results of the application of one particular method to a selection of elementary astronomy and physics texts. (Author/GA)

Discusses a photograph of an unusual combination of lunar halos: the 22-degree refraction halo, the circumscribed halo, and a reflection halo. Deduces the form and orientations of the ice crystals responsible for the observed halo features. (MLH)

Describes the topics covered and methods used in a liberal arts astronomy course on photographing the night sky. (MLH)

Describes "Expanding Universe: a classified search tool for amateur astronomy," a Web site maintained by the Metropolitan Toronto Reference Library which uses a modified form of the Dewey Decimal Classification to organize a large file of astronomy hotlinks. Highlights include structure, HTML coding, design requirements, and future…

Outlines several activities and games in which students play the roles of sun, earth, and moon at different times of the day, month, and year. (DKM)

Discusses the gender gap in science classrooms and how it relates to the confidence and competence of female students in astronomy. Cites specific instructional techniques that are helpful in increasing the participation of females in science and specifically recommends involving students in research. (DDR)

Describes investigations in archaeoastronomy that combine modern archaeology with the mathematical precision of practical astronomy. Helps students develop an understanding of a society's astronomical systems which can lead to a knowledge of their religion, art, mathematics, writings, calendar, myths, and agricultural practices. (JRH)

Explains how Venus changes visibility regularly from morning to evening because of its quick orbit time during part of the year. Includes a brief history of observations of this phenomenon and provides a detailed account from the Australian Aborigines. (DDR)