Overview

Through a series of twenty in-class, modestly mathematical, paper-and-pencil activities, students review the epic advancement of astronomical thought, from the rudimentary observations of prehistoric skywatchers to the development of modern astrophysics in the 20th century. In following the groundbreaking work of some of history's most famous astronomers, students better appreciate the fruits of modern research. Astronomy Activities and Laboratory Manual supplies what is missing from standard introductory college astronomy course; the essential story line that tells how astronomers came to know as much as they do about the universe. The activities require no specialized instructor training, equipment or individual materials beyond a pencil, straightedge, and standard calculator. They are designed for use in a classroom of any size, and are an easy way to introduce active-learning into the teaching of astronomy. The activities are also ideal for individual homework assignments or team study. The necessary mathematical background is introduced on an as-needed basis for every activity and is accessible for most undergraduate students. This learn-by-doing approach is sure to engage and excite your introductory astronomy students!

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Alan W. Hirshfeld is Professor of Physics at the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth and an Associate of the Harvard College Observatory. He received his undergraduate degree in astrophysics from Princeton University in 1973 and his PhD in astronomy from Yale University in 1978. He is the author of two widely praised books: Parallax: The Race to Measure the Cosmos, which chronicles the human stories involved in the centuries-long quest to measure the first distance to a star; and The Electric Life of Michael Faraday, a biography of the 19th century pioneer of electricity and magnetism. His writings have appeared in numerous magazines and he has lectured at educational institutions nationwide about scientific history and discovery.

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