Taking Introductory Astronomy Labs into the 21st Century - New Approaches and New Pitfalls
Abstract
During the Summer of 2000, the ASU Physics & Astronomy department went through a major overhaul of the Introductory Astronomy Lab. Goals for this exercise included flexible delivery of lab material, maximal use of resources, accomodation of a large increase in the student population, introduction of computer-based labs, and expansion of the curriculum to cover more material germane to Planetary Geology. Most if not all of these goals were achieved, but many lessons were learned along the way. This poster will present details of what ASU went with, why, and how changes had to be made mid-course to allow for unforseen problems. The labs we've written use some common ideas but ask for a more rigorous treatment on the part of the student than had been previously asked. Several pluses to come out the program include increased material retension by the students, higher class attendance, and a more varied and stimulating curriculum.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2000
- Bibcode:
- 2000AAS...19713706S