Teaching Teachers the Teaching of Physics and Astronomy: A Summer Workshop

1
Teaching Teachers the Teaching of Physics and
Astronomy A Summer Workshop

• Presented by Harold Geller
• hgeller_at_gmu.edu
• Department of Physics and Astronomy
• George Mason University
• At the Chesapeake Section of the American
  Association of Physics TeachersFall 2007 Section
  Meeting
• 2,3 November 2007 at
• Radford University

2
What Ill Talk About

• Astronomy Workshop for Teachers at George Mason
  University held both in 2006 and 2007
• What worked?
• What didnt work?
• Assessments
• Teacher Comments from 2006
• Why Important?

3
iClicker Question

• What is the name of the speaker?
• A Ehrlich
• B Hennig
• C Sterling
• D Geller
• E Einstein

4
Teacher Workshops in 2006 and 2007

• What
• Teacher workshops geared for junior and high
  school science teachers
• Who
• Run by Harold Geller (George Mason University)
  and Lee Ann Hennig (Thomas Jefferson High School)
• When
• Two weeks in the Summers of 2006 and 2007, with 2
  meetings in the fall 2006 and 2007 as follow-up
  presentations
• Where
• George Mason University (also offered at
  University of Virginia)

5
From Course Webpages Then and Now
George Mason University (GMU) College of Science
(COS) Department of Physics and
Astronomy and College of Education and Human
Development (CEHD) Office of Adult Learning and
Professional Development (OALPD) ASTR 590
Special Topics in Astronomy Astronomy for
Teachers Summer 2006 (with 2 fall follow-up
sessions TBD) MTWHF 10AM-3PM with evening
sessions in observatory as weather permits August
7-1114-18 2 follow-up sessions TBD Room IN 323
and GMU Observatory (if available)
2006
George Mason University (GMU) College of Science
(COS) Department of Physics and
Astronomy and College of Education and Human
Development (CEHD) Office of Adult Learning and
Professional Development (OALPD) ASTR 590
Special Topics in Astronomy Astronomy for
Teachers Summer 2007 with 2 fall follow-up
sessions TBD MTWHF 10AM-3PM with evening
sessions in observatory as weather permits August
6-1013-17 2 follow-up sessions in Fall TBD Room
IN 323 and GMU Observatory
2007
6
iClicker Question

• What years were the workshops run at GMU?
• A 2001 and 2002
• B 2002 and 2003
• C 2006 and 2007
• D 2005 and 2006
• E Its a hoax, there were never any workshops,
  just like no one ever stepped foot on the Moon.

7
From Course Webpages Then and Now
CoInstructor Harold Geller Phone [phone] FAX [phone] E-mail hgeller_at_gmu.edu Address Department of Physics and Astronomy, MS 3F3 George Mason University 4400 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 CoInstructor Lee Ann Hennig Phone [phone] FAX [phone] E-mail LeeAnn.Hennig_at_fcps.edu Address Astronomy/Planetarium Thomas Jefferson High School for Science Technology 6560 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312
2006
CoInstructor Harold Geller Phone [phone] FAX [phone] E-mail hgeller_at_gmu.edu Address Department of Physics and Astronomy, MS 3F3 George Mason University 4400 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 CoInstructor Lee Ann Hennig Phone [phone] FAX [phone] E-mail LeeAnn.Hennig_at_fcps.edu Address Astronomy/Planetarium Thomas Jefferson High School for Science Technology 6560 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312
2007
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From Course Webpages Then and Now
COURSE DESCRIPTION Participants will review
astronomy concepts, focusing on the concepts
which appear in the Virginia Standards of
Learning (SOL). Workshop participants will
utilize innovative activities for teaching
students physical concepts required of students
to comprehend astronomy related natural phenomena
such as the appearance of the night time sky,
reasons for the seasons, phases of the Moon,
motion of the stars and planets, surface features
of the Moon, and nature of eclipses. COURSE
PURPOSE AND INTENDED AUDIENCE This is an
intensive two week long professional development
workshop for teachers in the grades 6-12. There
will be two follow-up sessions in the Fall 2006
(dates to be set). This workshop will aid
teachers in comprehending and developing lesson
plans to address astronomy concepts that are part
of the Virginia Standards of Learning.
COURSE DESCRIPTION Participants will review
astronomy concepts, focusing on the concepts
which appear in the Virginia Standards of
Learning (SOL). Workshop participants will
utilize innovative activities for teaching
students physical concepts required of students
to comprehend astronomy related natural phenomena
such as the appearance of the night time sky,
reasons for the seasons, phases of the Moon,
motion of the stars and planets, surface features
of the Moon, and nature of eclipses. COURSE
PURPOSE AND INTENDED AUDIENCE This is an
intensive two week long professional development
workshop for teachers in the grades 6-12. There
will be two follow-up sessions in the Fall 2007
(dates to be set). This workshop will aid
teachers in comprehending and developing lesson
plans to address astronomy concepts that are part
of the Virginia Standards of Learning.
9
From Course Webpages Then and Now
COURSE FORMAT The workshop will address
astronomy concepts utilizing lectures, group
activities, laboratory exercises and open class
discussions. Lectures will consist of various
forms of presentation material including videos,
computer displays, demonstrations and
transparencies. Questions are acceptable at all
times. Participants should be alert during the
lecture and prepared to answer queries posed as
they arise. Class activities are collaborative
efforts of three or four participants. Each
participant will hand in a write-up for each
class activity. Class activity sessions will
consist of both computer-based exercises and
hands-on exercises. Activity reports will be
turned in at the conclusion of each class
meeting. OUTCOMES After attending this workshop
teachers will be able to explain and develop
lesson plans for use in their classrooms to
explain the appearance of the night time sky
explain the reasons for the seasons explain the
phases of the Moon explain the motion of the
stars and planets explain the surface features
of the Moon and explain the nature of eclipses
COURSE FORMAT The workshop will address
astronomy concepts utilizing lectures, group
activities, laboratory exercises and open class
discussions. Lectures will consist of various
forms of presentation material including videos,
computer displays, demonstrations and
transparencies. Questions are acceptable at all
times. Participants should be alert during the
lecture and prepared to answer queries posed as
they arise. Class activities are collaborative
efforts of three or four participants. Each
participant will hand in a write-up for each
class activity. Class activity sessions will
consist of both computer-based exercises and
hands-on exercises. Activity reports will be
turned in at the conclusion of each class
meeting. OUTCOMES After attending this workshop
teachers will be able to explain and develop
lesson plans for use in their classrooms to
explain the appearance of the night time sky
explain the reasons for the seasons explain the
phases of the Moon explain the motion of the
stars and planets explain the surface features
of the Moon and explain the nature of eclipses.
10
From Course Webpages Then and Now
REQUIRED TEXT and SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIVITY
MATERIALS The required textbook for this course
(provided to participants) is Foundations of
Astronomy by Michael A. Seeds, 9th edition with
Starry Night CD-ROM. Supplemental activity
materials for this course (provided to
participants) includes the Mag 5 Star Atlas (from
Scientifics Online) a Diffraction Grating Film
Sheet 12" x 6" (from Scientifics Online) a
Cardboard Spectrometer Kit (from Learning
Technologies Inc. (LTI)) a Celestial Sphere Kit
(from LTI) the Cycles Book (from LTI) a Miller
Planisphere (from Astronomical Society of the
Pacific (ASP)) and a Solar Motion Demonstrator
Kit (from ASP). GRADING RUBRIC Description Weig
hting Class Activities 60 Final
Examination 20 Follow-up Session 20
REQUIRED TEXT and SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIVITY
MATERIALS The required textbook for this course
(provided to participants) is Foundations of
Astronomy by Michael A. Seeds, 9th edition with
Starry Night CD-ROM. Supplemental activity
materials for this course (provided to
participants) includes the Mag 5 Star Atlas (from
Scientifics Online) a Diffraction Grating Film
Sheet 12" x 6" (from Scientifics Online) a
Cardboard Spectrometer Kit (from Learning
Technologies Inc. (LTI)) a Celestial Sphere Kit
(from LTI) the Cycles Book (from LTI) a Miller
Planisphere (from Astronomical Society of the
Pacific (ASP)) and a Solar Motion Demonstrator
Kit (from ASP). GRADING RUBRIC
Description Weighting
Class Activities 50
Class Participation 10 (see http//www.iClicker.com)
Final Examination 20
Follow-up Sessions 20
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From Course Webpage 2006
Date Topic/Learning Experiences In Class Activity Readings
7 August 2006 Preliminaries Contract Course Enrollment Forms Contract Course Information Overview Payment and Receipt for Payment Lunch Passes CAER Introductory Astronomy Survey and Pre-test Harvard General Astronomy Pre-Test and Survey Virginia SOL Astronomy Questions Pre-test Scale of the Cosmos Time and Distance Measures Mathematical Tools Review Solar System Scale Model Activity Chapter 1 and Appendix A
8 August 2006 The Sky Constellations and the Celestial Sphere Miller Planisphere Activity 1300 JC Rm G Astronomy Journal Club (see presentations by graduate students) Telescope Observing Session - weather permitted to observe Jupiter and its Galilean Moons, the Moon, the Ring Nebula, and more Chapter 2 pages 12-22
9 August 2006 The Sky The Sun and the Seasons Mag 5 Star Atlas Celestial Sphere Activity Solar Motion Demonstrator Kit Guest Speaker Heather Weir, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Chapter 2 pages 22-27
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From Course Webpage 2006
10 August 2006 The Sky Motion of the Planets Cycles and Starry Night Activity Guest Speaker, Greg Redfern, NASA JPL Planetary Ambassador Telescope Observing Session (weather will not permit - cancelled) Chapter 2 pages 25-32
11 August 2006 Cycles of the Moon The Phases Guest Speaker Steve Berr, Learning Technologies Inc. (demonstration of StarLab Planetariums) Chapter 3 pages 36-41
14 August 2006 Cycles of the Moon Eclipses Cycles Moons of Jupiter Activity Chapter 3 pages 42-55
15 August 2006 Origins of Modern Astronomy Guest Speaker Art Poland, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (retired), former Project Scientist SOHO, research faculty, GMU GMU Observing Session (weather not permitting - CANCELLED) Chapter 4
16 August 2006 Newton, Einstein and Gravity Geller Presentation and complete activity (Jupiters Moons) Guest Speaker Bob Ehrlich, author and physics professor, GMU Chapter 5
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From Course Webpage 2006
17 August 2006 Light and Telescopes Reflection Activity Refraction Activity Diffraction Grating Handouts GMU Observing Session (starting at 830 PM) Chapter 6 pages 108-122
18 August 2006 Light and Telescopes Spectrometer Activity Closing Paperwork CAER Introductory Astronomy Survey and Post-test Harvard General Astronomy Post-Test and Survey Virginia SOL Astronomy Questions Post-test Course Evaluations Chapter 6 pages 122-135
Fall 2006 (TBD) Saturday Fall Follow-up Session Workshop participant presentations Lesson plan presentations developed by participants
Fall 2006 (TBD) Saturday Fall Follow-up Session Workshop participant presentations Student results from lesson plans used in class (pre- and post- test results)
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iClicker Question

• What was the biggest difference between the two
  workshops run at GMU?
• A The number of days.
• B The days of the week utilized.
• C The computer usage.
• D The personal response system.
• E The use of guest speakers.

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From Course Webpage 2007
Date Topic/Learning Experiences In Class Activity Readings
6 August 2007 Preliminaries Contract Course Enrollment Forms Contract Course Information Overview Payment and Receipt for Payment Lunch Passes CAER Introductory Astronomy Survey and Pre-test Harvard General Astronomy Pre-Test and Survey Virginia SOL Astronomy Questions Pre-test Scale of the Cosmos - Time and Distance Measures Mathematical Tools Review Solar System Scale Model Activity Chapter 1 and Appendix A
7 August 2007 The Sky - Constellations and the Celestial Sphere Planisphere Activity Telescope Observing Session - weather did not permit Chapter 2 pages 12-22
8 August 2007 The Sky - The Sun and the Seasons Guest Speaker, Greg Redfern, NASA Mag 5 Star Atlas Celestial Sphere Activity Chapter 2 pages 22-27
16
From Course Webpage 2007
9 August 2007 The Sky - Motion of the Planets Cycles and Starry Night Activity Telescope Observing Session (weather did not permit - cancelled) Chapter 2 pages 25-32
10 August 2007 Cycles of the Moon ? The Phases of the Moon The Sun and the Seasons Demonstration of StarLab Planetarium Chapter 3 pages 36-41
13 August 2007 Cycles of the Moon - Eclipses Introduction to Origins of the Universe Quick Review of Eclipses Moons of Jupiter Activity Chapter 3 pages 42-55
14 August 2007 Origins of Modern Astronomy Geller Presentation on Development of Modern Astronomy Guest Speaker, Heather Weir, NASA GSFC on MESSENGER, LRO and New Horizons GMU Observing Session (weather did not permit) Chapter 4
15 August 2007 Our Star, the Sun Geller Presentation on the Sun Complete CLEA Sun activities Observe the Sun Chapter 5
17
From Course Webpage 2007
16 August 2007 Light and Telescopes Geller Presentation on Electromagnetic Radiation Guest Speaker, Dr. Joe Weingartner (GMU) on the Dusty Universe Reflection Activity Refraction Activity Diffraction Grating Handouts GMU Observing Session (rain - observing session cancelled) Chapter 6 pages 108-122
17 August 2007 Light and Telescopes Geller Presentation on Astrobiology Spectrometer Activity Closing Paperwork CAER Introductory Astronomy Survey and Post-test Harvard General Astronomy Post-Test and Survey Virginia SOL Astronomy Questions Post-test Chapter 6 pages 122-135
13 October 2007 Saturday Fall Follow-up Session Workshop participant presentations Lesson plan presentations developed by participants
1 December 2007 Saturday Fall Follow-up Session Workshop participant presentations Student results from lesson plans used in class (pre- and post- test results)
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iClicker Question

• The demonstration of a portable planetarium
  system was excluded from the latest teacher
  workshop?
• A True
• B False

19
From Course Webpages

• Also on course webpage
• http//physics.gmu.edu/hgeller/TeacherWorkshop/
• Links to all of the vendors that provided the
  handout materials
• Links to the presentations made during the two
  week summer period of the class
• Links to additional web-pages that may be useful
  to the participants
• Links to the tests used as pre-tests and
  post-tests

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What Worked Especially Well

• Free handouts to the teachers
• Guest speakers (from NASA GSFC, JPL, and GMU)
• Activities (some were more difficult than others)
• Team work with Lee Ann Hennig and me
• Use of pre- and post- tests from Harvard, CAER
  and UVa excerpts from SOLs
• Starlab portable planetarium demonstration
• Computer laboratory exercises
• CLEA and Starry Night especially so
• Personal response system
• Teachers stayed awake and focused without
  e-mailing too much

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What Didnt Work Too Well

• Some teachers wanted more technical
• Some teachers wanted more specific to SOL
  questions
• Observing sessions held at night in 2006
• Observatory not available for use in 2006
• Teachers did get to see Moon and planets outdoors
  in 2006
• Teachers did get to the observatory in 2007
• Some teachers felt they traveled too far
• Some teachers didnt like the requirement of two
  follow-up sessions
• GMU Education department has data that they are
  necessary
• National study indicated that if no follow-up
  sessions, average knowledge latency is 2days
• Technical support issues

22
iClicker Question

• Who was not a speaker at either teacher workshop?
• A Art Poland
• B Joe Weingartner
• C Bob Ehrlich
• D Heather Bloemhard
• E Heather Weir

23
Assessments

• Based upon a combination of three standard tests
• CAER Introductory Astronomy Survey (formerly the
  Astronomy Diagnostic Tool version 2.0)
• Harvard General Astronomy Test
• Virginia SOL Questions related to astronomy
• Pre-test average of scores was 72 in 2006
• Post-test average of scores was 82 in 2006
• Pre-test average of scores was 69 in 2007
• Post-test average of scores was 76 in 2007
• EVERY INDIVIDUAL SCORE INCREASED but one, from
  pre-testing compared to post-testing
• See graphic on next slide

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Teacher Comments

• Teacher feedback via standard George Mason
  University course evaluations in 2006
• Scored on a Likert scale of 1-5
• Instructor preparation Mean Score 4.93 /5
• Course organization Mean Score 4.81 /5
• Instructor motivation Mean Score 4.69 /5
• Intellectual challenge Mean Score 4.20 /5
• Instructor fairness Mean Score 4.94 /5
• Overall course rating Mean Score 4.75 /5
• Room on course evaluations for comments
• (see next slides)

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iClicker Question

• There was only improvement on assessments in the
  earlier year.
• A False
• B True

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Teacher Comments (Positive)

• Positive
• Great speakers
• Great resources
• Kept target audience in mind
• Organization of learning
• Visualizations and hands-on learning
• Good activities to demonstrate concepts
• Excellent team teaching approach
• Provided hands on materials to use in class

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Teacher Comments (Negative)

• Negative
• Gear more to Virginia SOLs
• Add more content from SOL ES.14
• This was done in 2007
• Correlate better with Virginia earth science
  material
• 2007 had more teachers from lower grades
• Start later in day so no need to return for
  observing sessions in the evening
• Have more night time observing sessions
• Others didnt want any
• Make it more of a challenge
• Make it more intellectually challenging
• Make it less challenging
• Have a review specifically for the final
• Have better test questions

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Results from Fall Follow Ups

• Teachers presented their lesson plans
• Not all teachers present
• Hard to find date that all can be present
• Those not in attendance had to videotape their
  presentation and send it in to me
• Wide variance in efforts in lesson plans
• One in particular was cause for concern
• Would lead students to believe that phases of
  Moon caused by shadow
• Teacher response was I dont care if they
  understand the abstract concept, I just want them
  to get it right on the SOLs and this will help
  them do just that
• Follow up session 2 had teachers present results
  of their use of their prepared lesson plans with
  pre- and post-test results from their students
• Resistance from students and teachers to pre-
  post- testing

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Conclusions from the Summer Teacher Workshop

• More workshops are needed and they ideally should
  be over a longer period of time
• This flies in the face that teachers dont have
  time available
• Teachers can whine as much as students
• Cant gear one workshop for all teachers
• Many are at different levels themselves
• Need both hands-on activities and lecture format
• Teachers like students have different learning
  styles
• If time is short dont build materials during
  activities, let teachers take home and use the
  already built materials that are available in the
  astronomy lab (if available)
• Murphy of UVa disagrees with this

32
iClicker Question

• What is the name of the speaker?
• A Ehrlich
• B Hennig
• C Poland
• D Geller
• E Weir