This videotape recording answers key questions about the Moon such as, What keeps it revolving around the Earth?, Why do we see only one side of the Moon?, and What is the origin of the Moon? Students learn about how the Moon has been studied throughout history, including recent lunar missions, its phases, eclipses, and how it causes tides on…

This document features an activity for estimating the distance from the earth to the moon during a solar eclipse based on calculations performed by the ancient Greek astronomer Hipparchus. Historical, mathematical, and scientific details about the calculation are provided. Internet resources for teachers to obtain more information on the subject…

This guide presents an activity for helping students understand how data from the Galileo spacecraft is sent to scientists on earth. Students are asked to learn about the concepts of bit-rate and resolution and apply them to the interpretation of images from the Galileo Orbiter. (WRM)

This study was designed to explore the validity of scores from a select-and-fill-in (SAFI) concept map assessment as a measure of 130 undergraduate students' connected understanding of introductory astronomy. Scores from SAFI maps created for this purpose possessed high internal consistency and showed large mean increases from the beginning to the…

Describes student activities with mercuric oxide and mercury that help them to form models of the solar system and its creation. (JR)

Describes the use of a faceted geodesic structure in place of the true spherical dome in the construction of an effective and modestly priced planetarium. Indicates that the construction can be undertaken as a student group project. (CC)

Studied the similarity of the astronomy portion in five science textbooks at the fourth through sixth grade levels by comparing students' responses to text authors' requirements. Concluded that the texts had more in common across grade levels than within grade levels. (CC)

Discusses the arrangement, specifications, and operation of a setup designed for use as a student project to record radio storms, continuous level of the quiet sun, and scientific satellites operating near the amateur 2-m band. Included is an example of records of solar activity during 1968-73. (CC)

Summarizes the scientific activities conducted at the London Schools Planetarium by students of primary and secondary schools and of teacher colleges. Included is a table illustrating the astronomical background of student teachers. (CC)

Visits to the planetarium are evaluated by teachers to determine if teachers consider it a worthwhile learning experience for their pupils. (CP)