Science Teaching through its Astronomical Roots: Use Astronomy to Teach Precollege Science and Mathematics

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This project supports the continuing development of a high school science course that teaches physical science and mathematics using astronomy as its major focal point. The material is designed for students who would not elect the traditional science courses, physics and chemistry, during their last years in high school. The long range goal of the project is to increase enrollment in high school science courses and improve the understanding of basic scientific principles by large numbers of students. The curriculum concentrates on a limited number of fundamental concepts to avoid overwhelming students. Mastery of these concepts is promoted by addressing the students' misconceived theories of nature and by emphasizing a wide range of unique hands-on classroom activities in both astronomical and terrestrial settings. Two modules will be developed based on the "Laws of Nature" and the "Nature of Light" which will form the basis of a year-long astronomy course when combined with the previously developed module on "Where We Are in Space and Time". Interactive computer programs for building mathematical models and videos for illustrating activities and showing how scientists use the principles discussed in activities will be produced. Teachers from a variety of schools across the country will produce and revise this material. There will be both formative and summative evaluation of the program using a number of trial sites. The project has entered in a research and development agreement with Apple Computer. To date, has donated $75,027 worth of equipment. Both Bausch & Lomb and Celestron International have donated astronomical telescopes and accessories to teacher training workshops costing in excess of $23,000. The project shows significant potential for becoming a widespread program allowing for a useful course in which students may meet a third-year science requirement.