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Astro Concepts: Learning Underlying Physics Principles in Conceptual Astronomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2013

Margaret Mazzolini
Affiliation:
Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, BSEE, Mail Box 31, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Vic. 3122, Australia; [email protected]
Bronwyn Halls
Affiliation:
Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, BSEE, Mail Box 31, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Vic. 3122, Australia; [email protected]
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Abstract

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Astro Concepts is a project within Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne developing browser-based software modules on Optical Telescopes, Nebulae and Binary Stars. The modules are designed to enhance students' understanding of basic physics concepts, which underlie introductory-level conceptual astronomy courses. When complete, the Astro Concepts modules will be available for use in university courses in introductory astronomy, introductory physics teaching, secondary teaching and online astronomy education. The strategy outlined here is to obtain a reasonable level of understanding of the necessary physics concepts by presenting them embedded in relevant and interesting astronomy contexts, and by the use of an engaging educational approach requiring active learning by the student.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Australia 2000

References

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