Describes a procedure for ascertaining secondary students' misconceptions about concepts relating to astronomy. Summarizes results that indicate the usefulness of the approach and the range and extent of the misconceptions which could be revealed. Makes suggestions about how to use the technique in such a way that the findings will challenge the…

Presents an historical perspective of astronomy. Discusses how Columbus' discovery of America demonstrated the incompleteness of the ancient knowledge of the world and paved the way for unorthodox astronomical ideas, including the sun-centered cosmology of Copernicus. (MCO)

Presents a short biographical sketch of the great mathematician, Henri Poincar, whose significant achievements in mathematics were applications within the fields of astronomy and physics. (JJK)

Discusses the loss of female talent in the physical sciences and with it the debate about the desirability of stronger measures to increase the number of women scientists. Provides the results of surveys, interviews, and meetings dealing with the issues of job discrimination, sexual harassment, and general social treatment. (KR)

Discussed is the way in which a limited number of astronomy research initiatives were chosen and prioritized based on a consensus of members from the Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Committee. A list of recommended equipment initiatives and estimated costs is provided. (KR)

Describes an introductory astronomy course for undergraduate students in which students use three-dimensional (3-D) modeling tools to model the solar system and develop rich understandings of astronomical phenomena. Indicates that 3-D modeling can be used effectively in regular undergraduate university courses as a tool to develop understandings…

Finds that computer simulations can be used to visualize the processes involved with lunar tides. Technology adds value, thus opening new paths for a more distinct analysis and increased learning results. (Author/CCM)

Details a project designed to bolster the quality of astronomy education through teacher workshops. Workshop topics include the solar system, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. The Learning Approach Questionnaire (LAQ) is used to determine the effects of the workshops. (DDR)

Explains how hands-on science activities can be done in a class designed as a lecture setting. Uses the collapsing can activity to demonstrate the birth of a black hole. Evaluates student responses to the hands-on approach. (YDS)

A questionnaire of 19 questions given to a total of 433 students in college preservice training for future high school teachers showed that science and nonscience majors held a series of misconceptions on several central topics in basic astronomy. (Author)

Describes a stimulating interactive group project on measuring the lengths of solar days that directly supports concepts related to orbits, motion, and time in a physics or astronomy curriculum, and has the flexibility to extend from a few days to several weeks. Provides new measurement experiences for students and teachers and opportunities for…

Describes the evolution of an introductory astronomy course from fact driven to concept driven. Presents a rationale for a course designed to engage students in considering answers to the questions "what are we?" and "how do we know what we know?" (DDR)

Uses role-playing exercises as a method for teaching introductory astronomy classes to nonscience majors. (CCM)

Introduces the analemma, a figure eight pattern of the sun's location over the course of a year. Presents a year-long science activity and explains procedures for indoor and outdoor models. (YDS)

Explains a non-standard definition of an ellipse familiar to astronomers and workers in celestial mechanics but which is not usually given in undergraduate text books on mathematics. (MM)