RBSE-U: The Implementation of Research-Based Science Education in Astronomy for Undergraduates

这个项目和阿拉斯加大学安克雷奇分校(UA-A)和印第安纳大学(IU)之前资助的一个项目的目标是用基于研究的课程取代标准的入门级天文学课程。基于研究的科学教育(RBSE)课程材料有三个目标：1)教授科学是一个发现的过程，而不仅仅是一个知识体系；2)通过让学生有机会进行真实的研究，增加对科学和STEM职业的积极态度；3)发展重要的技能，如批判性思维、团队合作和目标驱动的工作技能，这些技能在任何职业道路上都是重要的。RBSE自然将研究和教育结合在一起，因为“真实的”研究数据成为教学背后的驱动力。在这个特别的项目中，学生们正在分析来自大型天气观测望远镜和国家虚拟天文台的数据，以及参与该项目的教职员工可能从他们自己的研究工作中获得的数据。在过去三年里，该项目在亚利桑那州立大学和伊利诺伊州立大学开发了材料并试行了该项目，之后，该项目能够在另外四个学术机构实施RBSE课程并进行有效性评估。总体而言，这代表着一个差异很大的学生群体和差异很大的课堂环境。除了亚利桑那州立大学和伊利诺伊州立大学外，参与这项研究的机构包括：华盛顿大学、芝加哥州立大学、皮马社区学院和Truckee Meadow社区学院。

Physics (13)The goal of this and a previously funded project at the University of Alaska-Anchorage (UA-A) and Indiana University (IU) is to replace the standard introductory-level astronomy curriculum with one that is research-based. Research-based science educational (RBSE) curricular materials have three goals: 1) to teach that science is a process of discovery, not just a body of knowledge, 2) to increase positive attitudes towards science and STEM careers, by giving students an opportunity to do authentic research, and 3) to develop important skills such as critical thinking, teamwork and goal-driven work skills that are important in any career path. RBSE naturally integrates research and education as "authentic" research data becomes the driving force behind instruction. In this particular project, students are analyzing data from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and the National Virtual Observatory, as well as data that faculty participating in the project might have developed from their own research endeavors. After developing materials and piloting the program at UA-A and IU over the past three years, the project enables the implementation and effectiveness assessment of RBSE curricula at four additional academic institutions. Collectively this represents a widely-divergent student population and widely-varying classroom environments. In addition to UA-A and IU, institutions participating in the current study include: University of Washington, Chicago State University, Pima Community College, and Truckee Meadows Community college.