Explains a flexible two-part grading scheme which attempts to mix the best of both the descriptive and analytical treatments of an introductory astronomy course, to allow for differences in the academic backgrounds of the students. (GA)

Presents a method for determining the approximate radius vector of a planet or asteroid from two closely separated observation positions, using mathematics suitable for lower division college students. (MLH)

Presents a procedure for finding the elements of the orbit of an astronomical object from three or more observations. From a set of assumed elements an ephemeris is calculated and compared to the observations. (MLH)

Stresses the importance of our early scientific contributions in affecting the later course of American science. (Editor)

Discusses the concept of time in relation to the age of the chemical elements and the age of the universe. (MLH)

Discusses a joint research program between several high school teachers and solar system astronomers in which data were collected on photoelectric observations of asteroids and minor planets via astronomical telescopes. (MLH)

Evaluates the planetarium's perceived role in education in the United States; reviews history (1945-present) of its use as an educational tool, showing changes in importance of education and entertainment during the period. (CS)

Discusses theories about the possibility of the weakening or strengthening of the gravitational constant, and the cosmological effects of such a change. (MLH)

Presents guiding principles for developing interactive lessons for the World Wide Web. Describes "Amazing Space: Education Online from the Hubble Space Telescope", a program where students study spectacular Hubble Space Telescope images of stars and star-forming regions to learn about the life cycle of stars and the creation of atoms. (JRH)

Describes basic misconceptions about the origin of elements and forms of matter found in chemistry texts that need modification in light of modern observational data and interpretations given in astronomy. Notes that there are forms of matter other than elements and compounds. Confounding examples from astronomy include white dwarfs, neutron…

Describes how to use collaborative groups as a teaching strategy in a 200 student introductory astronomy class for nonscience majors. Presents a brief rationale for this approach then describes the implementation process and lessons learned. Emphasizes practical information most useful for faculty starting to include collaborative group activities…

Points out the importance of an understanding of a sense of scale and presents an activity that uses distance or time as a measure. The activity illustrates for students what the universe would look like at various scales. (DDR)

Analyzes preservice Israeli elementary school teachers' conceptions of basic astronomy. Data from a questionnaire completed during the first part of the year by predominantly female first, second, and third year students indicates that there was a serious discrepancy between student teachers' conceptions of some basic astronomy concepts and the…

This article describes the recruitment and selection methods, reports how the students handled the course requirements, summarizes the feedback from the teachers, and discusses the successes and failures in achieving the goals of the astronomy master's program for middle school and high school teachers at the University of Arizona in Tucson. (MVL)

Discussed are some of the topics at the forefront of modern astronomical research. Topics include quasars, black holes, and the beginning of the universe. The uses and types of telescopes are described, both spaceborn and ground based. (KR)