Hands-On Universe Teacher Enhancement Project

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

9554161 Pennypacker This proposal, sponsored by the Lawrence-Berkeley Laboratory of the University of California-Berkeley, seeks funding for a three year project to teach teachers how to use computer based imaging techniques in their classrooms to bring about deeper understanding of science concepts. Called Hands-On Universe the program uses a comprehensive set of curriculum units, developed under an NSF Instructional Materials award, which emphasizes the understanding of basic concepts in astronomy and the math and science underlying those concepts. The program uses a combination of real time astronomical images as well as stored images. Topics include study of astronomical measurements (size, distance and brightness), determination of the characteristics of satellite and binary systems and searching for supernovae. Local resource teams consisting of highly trained teachers, museum personnel and local scientists will provide workshops and support for teachers implementing the program in their region. The target sites are the state of California, and the cities of Chicago, Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee. The project also has a pilot project component which prepares and tests the effectiveness of modules at the Middle School level. At the end of three years each site will have worked with 238 teachers. A total of 714 teachers will be enhanced by the project. The matching funds, in support of the NSF award, are about 26% of the NSF grant amount.