This totally new edition of Discovering Astronomy from Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company has been developed with the expert input of more than 150 introductory astronomy instructors nationwide. Among other things, these professors told us how they teach, what they need in a textbook, and what their students struggle with most. And we listened.
Discovering Astronomy, Fifth Edition, addresses in detail the five concepts identified as most difficult for students to grasp:
- big bang cosmology
- stellar evolution
- gravity
- light and spectra
- mathematical concepts
The pedagogy of Discovering Astronomy strengthens critical reasoning and evaluation skills, leading to a clearer understanding of the process of science, and enhancing your students' abilities to apply scientific concepts in new contexts.
Discovering Astronomy, since the time it first appeared in 1981, has been a pioneer in astronomy education. The fifth edition improves upon the previous editions while maintaining the philosophy of its unique approach. That approach is simple - engage the student in active involvement in his or her own learning process.
One way the book achieves active involvement is through the inclusion of numerous "Inquiries" within the reading. These "Inquiries" purposely break up the reading so the student stops and thinks about what's been read before continuing. Answers to these "Inquiries" at the end of each chapter allow students to gauge their understanding.
The fifth edition includes recent results from the Mars orbiters and landers and the Cassini mission to Saturn. Hubble Space Telescope results are discussed when appropriate. The discussion of extrasolar planets has been updated and expanded significantly.
A significant new chapter on the search for extraterrestrial life has been added. The cosmology chapter has been rewritten and reorganized to reflect modern perspectives.
Also Available for Adopters
- Instructor's Manual
- Test Bank
- Animation Links
- Tabbing Guide
