The Universe in Your Hands Project STAR (Science Teaching through its Astronomical Roots) is an astronomy course that also teaches real-world math and physics
Project STAR capitalizes on students' inherent interest in the limitless universe that surrounds them.
This second edition uses a new approach that is consistent with the philosophy of the authors: students learn science better by making measurements and observations than by memorizing "facts."
Each chapter begins with questions to test preheld views on certain subjects. Students then use measurements and observations to explore the models in the chapters. Questions are sprinkled throughout the book to test understanding along with cartoons to leaven the learning with humor.
Hands-on activities play an essential role in this 1-year course. In completing these hands-on activities, students will:
- make observations of the skies
- build models
- use models to explain observations and make predictions
- find everyday applications for such models
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Constructivist Theory
"Our research, as well as that of others, recommends strongly that meaningful conceptual learning can only occur when students are made aware of their own ideas, are confronted with personal experiences against which they can test those ideas, and then reflect upon possible reasons for any discrepancies." -- Hal Coyle, Co-author of Project STAR.
Measurements and Observations
Project STAR is an astronomy course that believes students learn science better by making measurements and observations than by memorizing "facts."
Written for High School
Project STAR is the only astronomy-based text written expressly for high school students.
Educational Technology
With every Project STAR Student Text and Teacher's Guide an Astronomy Explorer CD-ROM is provided. This interactive supplemental resource includes: student exercises, movies, and animations.
Hands-On Activities
Hands-on activities play an essential role in this one-year course. In completing these hands-on activities, students will make observations of the skies, build models, and use models to explain observations and make predictions.