Jeffrey Bennett - Astronomer, Teacher, & Writer

Colloquia for College Science Faculty

Dr. Bennett has developed many innovative strategies for teaching science to non-science majors and has written leading textbooks in both astronomy and astrobiology. As a result, he has spoken about strategies for teaching science to faculty at many colleges and universities, including the University of Kentucky, UCLA, San Diego State, Emory University, BYU-Idaho, SUNY-Stonybrook, Rice University, Charleston College, Indiana/Purdue, and many more. Below is a title and short abstract for his seminar.

Title/abstract: Strategies for Teaching Science
No matter whether you are teaching school children, undergraduates, or colleagues, a few key strategies are always useful. After an introduction on teaching philosophy, I will discuss five key strategies for teaching science, all designed to help non-science majors learn about the nature of science and key scientific ideas. The ideas are easy to implement and apply across the science curriculum, although most of my examples will be drawn from astronomy and physics. Note: This talk is updated and adapted from an article I wrote for Mercury, Nov/Dec 1999.

Fees/Scheduling: Please contact Dr. Bennett if you are interested in this seminar. Notes: (1) Normally I require travel expenses and any standard departmental honorarium; however, in some cases I can pay my own way if the visit is linked to a potential adoption of one of my textbooks. (2) I appreciate efforts to maximize use of my time during my trips, such as by coordinating with your mathematics department for my mathematics seminar or setting up an evening public talk during my visit. (3) I may also be able to guest lecture in some astronomy or astrobiology classes if you are interested. (4) In some cases I may also be able to make a morning visit to a local elementary school to offer a presentation on Max Goes to the Moon.