Investigates the behavior of a simple pendulum attached to a fixed point inside a satellite moving in a circular orbit about the earth. It is found that the number of equilibrium positions depends on the length of the pendulum and the location of the point of attachment. (HM)

Described is an experiment that allows students to determine the distance to the moon by triangulation. Included is a description of parallax methods and photographic techniques. (CS)

Presents a critical review of research on student conceptions of the Earth and its place in the universe with regard to epistemological, historical, and cognitive aspects. The Copernican model drives the research questioning about the position of the Earth in the universe with little correlation of the model with the empirical level of…

Describes an activity, designed to comply with the National Science Education Standards, that integrates science and mathematics concepts. Mathematical modeling of the moon's phases is employed to show students the role of mathematics in describing scientific phenomena. (DKM)

Presents two views about the future of astronomy. Explains that government budget cuts and an oversupply of young scientists have decimated the employment prospects. Encourages students to train for a wide variety of careers and to become entrepreneurs who bring technologies to the consumer. (DDR)

Provides information about a summer camp with an astronomy focus for students in grades 4-8. Discusses planning, camp basics, telescope orientation, and other features of camp life. (DDR)

Describes a school-hosted, non-residence science day camp. Provides a list of guidelines for planning such a camp. (DDR)

Recommends the use of concept mapping in science teaching and proposes that it be presented as a creative activity. Includes a sample lesson plan of a potato stamp concept mapping activity for astronomy. (DDR)

Compares the problem-solving skills required for solving well-structured problems and ill-structured problems in the context of an open-ended, multimedia problem solving environment in astronomy. Assesses students' abilities in solving these problems with two sets of open-ended questions. Concludes that solving well-structured and ill-structured…

Describes an activity for observing sunspots with binoculars and other readily available materials. Introduces students to daylight astronomy. (KHR)

Describes a project that enriches astronomy lessons with hands-on activities facilitated by an astronomer. The project links professional and amateur astronomers with middle-level classroom teachers and informal educators. Families and community organizations are also involved in the project. Provides information on how to join the ASTRO network.…

Used classroom observations, personal interviews, and pre-instruction/post-instruction administration of the Texas Attitude Survey and the Astronomy Diagnostic Test to evaluate hands-on instructional innovations in a college astronomy course. Modified instruction based on student concerns; scores for the second course showed significant…

Described is an overview of the Voyager 2 encounter with Neptune. Discussed are the trajectory, atmosphere, rings, satellites, magnetosphere, and future of Voyager 2. (YP)

Presents activities that focus on shadows to teach about seasonal changes and the earth's tilting axis. Includes suggestions for indoor discussions, diagrams, and models, and for outdoor observations and measurements of shadows. (SV)

Describes Neptune through Voyager 2 including the discovery, location, atmosphere, ring arcs, radiation, two satellites, and Voyager's goals. Provides several diagrams and pictures. (YP)