Shedding Light on Astronomy Textbooks for Astro 101
Abstract
Astronomy textbooks present new vocabulary and concepts to students in different and unique ways. Understanding the differences between textbooks is useful for confirming that the textbook you use in your class is the best possible match for how you teach astronomy. We compare the treatment of terms and equations dealing with the Sun and properties of light in over ten different introductory textbooks. For example, nearly every textbook uses a different equation for angular resolution. (Come by the poster to vote for your favorite!) There are also various forms of the equation for Wien's Law and different uses of the terms 'hydrostatic equilibrium' and 'blackbody radiation.' We discuss possible reasons for the approximations and simplifications made by textbook authors.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #225
- Pub Date:
- January 2015
- Bibcode:
- 2015AAS...22524101U