Modern Astronomy: An Activities Approach

Science & Math

Robbins, R. Robert

Astronomy & Space Science

University of Texas Press

From a review of the first edition: " ... strongly recommend[ed] ... both for introductory astronomy lab courses and for individual study." —Sky and Telescope Through a series of self-paced observational activities, this book makes the study of astronomy accessible to those with no background in the subject. The early projects employ simple, easy-to-assemble equipment (several cutouts are provided) to introduce the subject of astronomical measurements. As understanding progresses, so do the scope and depth of the activities. All begin with actual observations and measurements that realistically simulate the research carried out by professionals. Over twenty experiments are presented, including a new unit on the use of a CCD (Charged Couple Device) detector on a telescope. Other sections offer material on sky mapping, fundamental principles of stellar evolution, motion and phases of the moon, properties of lenses and mirrors, spectroscopy, solar energy, galaxies, and celestial photography. Several useful appendixes, star maps, many illustrations, and sources for most materials are included. Each activity, arranged in a flexible format, allows individuals with different interests to follow different tracks through the material by omitting those aspects less pertinent to their goals. Readers will find the volume suitable for self-study or for use in an activities class in astronomy. Although the book will be enjoyed by everyone interested in the sky, it is especially helpful for teachers of astronomy who wish to learn skills and exercises that they can use in their own classrooms, at all levels from elementary through college.

Hemenway, Mary Kay

Uses a discovery approach which encourages readers to be active rather than passive learners. Organized in the way astronomy developed—from observations to an understanding first of the solar system and later of stars and galaxies. A separate Activity Kit features experimentation and measurement projects in order to obtain direct experience in the scientific gathering and analyzing of data. In this edition, the art program has been expanded to include full color photos plus computer generated multicolor diagrams which help clarify complex concepts. Contains a completely rewritten and updated discussion of the planets and a new Earth/Moon chapter.

Discovering Astronomy, Activities Kit

Jefferys, William H.

Shawl, Steven J.

wiley

Discovering Astronomy Third Edition and Discovering Astronomy Activities Manual and Kit, Third Edition Volume 1: An Introduction to Physics and the Physical Sciences

McDermott, Lillian C.

ROBBINS

Discovering Astronomy, 3rd Edition

Shawl, Stephen J.

This is an extensive revision of the first (and still, only) introductory astronomy text to take a ``discovery activities'' approach to learning astronomy, encouraging students to be active rather than passive learners. Students use an equipment kit included with the book to construct observing instruments, including a telescope, so they can carry out measurement activities and obtain direct experience in the scientific gathering and analyzing of data. The text is flexible; it is not a lab manual. The equipment kit is available separately; it contains a simple telescope, a cross-staff, quadrant, spectroscope, Ray Box grill, telescope, and diffraction grating. Changes in this new edition include greater adaptability of the text, updated astrophysics, observations from the Voyager mission, discussion of grand unified theories and of the inflationary universe.

Discovering Astronomy

Includes Astronomy cafe CD-ROM featuring unique photos, sound files and movies &amp; animations.

Kendall/Hunt Pub. Co.

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