Contends that storytelling is a device which physics teachers can add to their repertoire for motivating and encouraging students. Presents an example of effective storytelling using the story of the COBE discovery of ripples in cosmic background radiation. (Author/WRM)

Examines third-grade students' ideas on the lunar phases prior to, and following, an instructional period designed to promote students' conceptual change. Demonstrates that students are capable of making conceptual changes. Contains 30 references. (DDR)

Describes a way to demonstrate the causes of seasons and related phenomena by using an umbrella and flashlight. (WRM)

Explains how to create a paper replica of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, an ancient timepiece thought to have been constructed by the Lakota Indians around 1700 A.D. The Bighorn Wheel uses four key seasonal stars as well as the solstice sunrise and sunset to mark the passage of time through the summer. (WRM)

Outlines a way for instructors to teach astronomy and the nature of scientific inquiry. Highlights a discussion with students during coverage of the Earth-Moon system. (CCM)

Describes a procedure that allows undergraduate students to determine the approximate age of the universe using their own data. The experiment requires a relatively small telescope with a modest spectrograph. Includes sample data and calculations. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/WRM)

Explains how solar eclipses occur and provides information on future eclipse events. Also includes a solar eclipse viewing activity. (DDR)

A longitudinal study of the influence of education on children's ability to define and explain astronomical concepts was conducted with 20 students aged 10 and 11. At 2 months after the lessons, students recalled the explanations they were taught, but 4 years later they provided only everyday and inaccurate explanations. (SLD)

Discusses teaching ethnoscience in the classroom. Presents an activity incorporating an ethnoscience example, Mayan Ethnoastronomy, in the science curriculum. (Contains 12 references.) (ASK)

Reports and analyzes the day and night cycle, the seasons, and the phases of the moon as seen by Norwegian deaf pupils aged 7, 9, 11, and 17 years, and by hearing Norwegian pupils 9 years old. Among the 9-year-olds there was no difference in the inner coherence of the conceptions between deaf pupils. (Author/SAH)

Presents scientific and technical information related amateur radio operation, commonly called "ham" radios, and radio astronomy. (PR)

Describes how to fit binocular observations of the planets to a theoretical model of circular orbits using a modern computer spreadsheet, from which fundamental data about the solar system may be deduced. (AIM)

Describes how a spreadsheet is used to fit a circular orbit model to observations of Jupiter's moons made with a small telescope. Kepler's Third Law and the inverse square law of gravity are observed. (AIM)

Recommends using science fiction television episodes, novels, and films for teaching science and motivating students. Studies Newton's Law of Motion, principles of relativity, journey to Mars, interplanetary trajectories, artificial gravity, and Martian geology. Discusses science fiction's ability to capture student interest and the advantages of…

The relationship between the Bible and modern astronomy has been complicated and often turbulent. Many scientists would argue that for modern astronomy to be born, biblical cosmology had to die. Article includes a history of the church/science relationship, a primer in biblical cosmologies, and a discussion of some philosophical problems behind…