This study was designed to explore the validity of scores from a select-and-fill-in (SAFI) concept map assessment as a measure of 130 undergraduate students' connected understanding of introductory astronomy. Scores from SAFI maps created for this purpose possessed high internal consistency and showed large mean increases from the beginning to the…

Describes student activities with mercuric oxide and mercury that help them to form models of the solar system and its creation. (JR)

Describes the use of a faceted geodesic structure in place of the true spherical dome in the construction of an effective and modestly priced planetarium. Indicates that the construction can be undertaken as a student group project. (CC)

Studied the similarity of the astronomy portion in five science textbooks at the fourth through sixth grade levels by comparing students' responses to text authors' requirements. Concluded that the texts had more in common across grade levels than within grade levels. (CC)

Discusses the arrangement, specifications, and operation of a setup designed for use as a student project to record radio storms, continuous level of the quiet sun, and scientific satellites operating near the amateur 2-m band. Included is an example of records of solar activity during 1968-73. (CC)

Summarizes the scientific activities conducted at the London Schools Planetarium by students of primary and secondary schools and of teacher colleges. Included is a table illustrating the astronomical background of student teachers. (CC)

Visits to the planetarium are evaluated by teachers to determine if teachers consider it a worthwhile learning experience for their pupils. (CP)

"Astronomy with the Space Telescope" is a course designed to show scientists/engineers how this instrument can make important advances in astrophysics, planetology, and geophysics. A description of the course (taught to 11 students working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and sample student paper on black holes are…

The application of very sensitive electronic detecting devices during the last decade has revolutionized and revitalized the study of polarization in celestial objects. The nature of polarization, how polaroids work, interstellar polarization, dichroic filters, polarization by scattering, and modern polarimetry are among the topics discussed. (JN)

This study was concerned with the reliability and validity of subjective judgments about five characteristics of multiple-choice test items from an introductory college-level astronomy test: (1) item difficulty, (2) language complexity, (3) content importance or relevance, (4) response set convergence, and (5) process complexity. (Author)