PERC 2012 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Dimensions of a learning progression for the formation of the Solar System |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Astronomy education is characterized by fragmented coverage in K-12 education, caused by limited coherence across grades and a failure to emphasize the connections between explanations. The goal of this project is to develop a learning progression for Solar System formation that illustrates potential levels of sophistication that teachers can use to assess student progress. The explanation for the Solar System's formation allows students to see the connections between the current physical and dynamic properties of the Solar System and the ways in which physics govern observable phenomena. Such an approach is uncommon in most astronomy instruction, which focuses on celestial objects individually rather than as a coherent system. Our learning progression was initially developed through the analysis of interviews with middle school, high school and college students. We will also discuss our framework for iterative cycles of comparing student progress and instructional design to test our learning progression hypothesis. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Julia Plummer Pennsylvania State University 164A Chambers University Park, PA 16802 Phone: 814-863-8922 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Chris Palma, Pennsylvania State University Alice Flarend, Pennsylvania State University Jason Petula, Pennsylvania State University |
