The purpose of this study was twofold. First, it was aimed to identify Turkish pre-service physics teachers' knowledge and understanding of the Moon, Moon phases, and other lunar phenomena. Second, the effects of model-based teaching on pre-service teachers' conceptions were examined. Conceptions were proposed as mental models in this study. Four…

This research concerns the development and assessment of a program of introductory astronomy conceptual exercises called ranking tasks. These exercises were designed based on results from science education research, learning theory, and classroom pilot studies. The investigation involved a single-group repeated measures experiment across eight key…

In this study, a desktop virtual reality earth motion system (DVREMS) is designed and developed to be applied in the classroom. The system is implemented to assist elementary school students to clarify earth motion concepts using virtual reality principles. A study was conducted to observe the influences of the proposed system in learning.…

The study of conceptual change traces its heritage to the notions of paradigm (networks of shared beliefs, concepts, practices) and paradigm shift made famous by Thomas Kuhn in his book, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions". Kuhn's work was quickly linked to developmental psychology (how knowledge develops) and to science education (teaching…

This book is designed to present mathematical problems and tasks that focus on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) curriculum and evaluation standards in the context of aerospace activities. It aims at actively engaging students in NCTM's four process standards: (1) problem solving; (2) mathematical reasoning; (3) communicating…

This book is designed to present mathematical problems and tasks that focus on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) curriculum and evaluation standards in the context of aerospace activities. It aims at introducing students to some of the exciting and significant ways in which mathematics might continue to engage them in whatever…

Presents a 56 item quiz pertaining to the space sciences. The questions are in programmed format and are appropriate to the secondary school level. (MLH)

Describes a kindergarten science program, concerning astronomy, designed to introduce scientific concepts into the curriculum at an early age. Specific activities in conjunction with the unit are detailed. (BR)

A recently copyrighted instrument called the Geochron has been successfully used as a visual aid in teaching several major concepts of astronomical geography at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. The article discusses and illustrates the use of the Geochron to demonstrate earth-sun relationships, world time, and time zones. (Author/RM)

This material discusses supernova, the violent death of a massive star, at a level appropriate for upper elementary students. Background information on Supernova 1987a is presented. Observation techniques using visible light, ultraviolet waves, radio waves, neutrinos, X-rays, and gamma-rays are described. A vocabulary list, 11 questions, and 6…

Reflectance Spectroscopy is one of several remote sensing techniques used to study the surfaces and atmospheres of solar system objects. It provides first-order information on the presence and amounts of certain ions, molecules, and minerals on a surface or in an atmosphere. This report is a consolidation of written material generated at a 3-day…

A handbook for teaching assistants (TAs) at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Maryland, College Park, is presented to provide information concerning departmental organization and facilities as well as teaching ideas and problems. TAs with the department are either graders who primarily grade homework and tests and…

Describes an introductory astronomy course at Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, in which the Keller Plan (personalized system of instruction) is used. Course evaluation results and typical student comments about this self-paced program are provided. (JR)