Describes the origin of the science of cosmology and the competing theories to explain the beginning of the universe. The big bang theory for the creation of the universe is contrasted with the steady state theory. The author details discoveries that led to the demise of the steady state theory. (PR)

Describes a conference at the University of Colorado, in which scholars and traditional tribal people met to discuss indigenous star knowledge, including creation stories, the connection of stars and planets to ceremonies, and sophisticated star-based metaphysics. Includes four resources and quotes from participants. (SV)

Describes Student-Tracked Atmospheric Research Satellite for Heuristic International Networking Experiment (STARSHINE), which enables students to explore optical astronomy, orbital dynamics, space and atmospheric physics, mathematics and international cooperation by tracking a satellite. (Author)

School budgets dictate what can and cannot be done in science. Article offers an inexpensive, modified design to build a planetarium. The planetarium provides hands-on experience in plotting and mapping constellations. (CCM)

Describes a successful pilot program to develop and test a program that facilitates the linking of undergraduate research and education through radio astronomy. Based on the pilot experiences, students everywhere should be able to exploit the opportunity to strengthen their education through practical research using radio astronomy. (Author/SAH)

Discusses the claims of tabloids and television that the U.S. mission to the moon was faked. Recommends using samples brought back from the moon on the Lunar Sample Disk as instructional material to open a discussion. Makes suggestions for examining lunar rocks. (YDS)

Discusses the occurrence of eclipses and eclipse observation. (JRH)

Features astronomy activities that teach the value and limitations of inferring. (YDS)

Introduces a high school science curriculum that embodies inquiry-based genetics, evolution, and astronomy. Presents two astronomy units of scientific modeling. The first activity involves a black box to explain a hidden mechanism's effect on the outflow of water. The second activity involves the development of celestial motion models to explain…

Introduces the Telescopes in Education (TIE) project, which began in 1993, in which schools have had access via telephone lines to a high quality telescope on Mount Wilson in California. Considers what can be gained from such projects to maximize their potential. (Author/ASK)

This article discusses how to use popcorn to engage students in model building and to teach them about the nature of matter. Popping kernels is a simple and effective method to connect the concepts of heat, motion, and volume with the different phases of matter. Before proceeding with the activity the class should discuss the nature of scientific…

This work inaugurates a critical inquiry into whether the ideas of Karl Popper, a philosopher of science, are used by astronomers and astrophysicists, a practicing community of scientists. It examines four basic components of Karl Popper's philosophy falsification, prohibition, simplicity, and risk taking and the extent that these themes become…

Fourth-grade students' knowledge of observable moon phases and patterns of change, as well as conceptual understanding of the cause of moon phases, was investigated before and after special instruction. Pretest and post-test data for 48 students were used to address the research question related to observable moon phases and patterns of change.…

In this article, the authors explore the question, "Does the Moon spin?", and show how the question is investigated. They emphasise the importance of the process by which people work out what they know, by "learning from the inside out." They stress that those involved in science education have to challenge current conceptions and ideas, making…

For ten days in August 2006, Pluto was rarely out of the news as members of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) deliberated on its planetary status. For the members of the "News in Science Education" group, based at Queen's University, Belfast, this offered a great opportunity for educators to explore a number of interesting and…