All resources in 2012-2013 OER Fellows

Astronomy Star Project

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This is a project I assign my students in an introductory, non-science major astronomy class. Each student is assigned one of the 25 brightest stars in the sky and they are asked to research and apply concepts they have been learning in the class to their particular star. I leave it up to them to decide the format of their final project - most do PowerPoint but some have done videos or podcasts. One student actually landed a part time job at a radio station after they heard her recording her star project! Many students tell me this is a highlight of the course!

Material Type: Assessment

Author: Erik Christensen

Using PhotoVoice in the Classroom

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This PhotoVoice assignment is what I use in my astronomy class to get students to prepare for the final exam. They need to find a photograph illustrating a concept covered in the course and then explain it in a paragraph. They post these on the discussion board so others in the class can read and comment as desired.

Material Type: Homework/Assignment, Teaching/Learning Strategy

Author: Erik Christensen

Lunar Observation Project

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The month-long lunar observation project I have all students in my AST 1002 Descriptive Astronomy class complete. I helps them understand the phases of the Moon, the relationship between lunar phases and tides, and just gets them outside looking up! Many students say this is the best part of the course.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Homework/Assignment

Author: Erik Christensen