Download the formatted article from Astrobeat Magazine (PDF) Editor’s Introduction To those of us who teach astronomy, Dr. Bennett is known as the lead author of one of the most popular introductory astronomy textbooks in the U.S. He also writes textbooks in other fields and popular books for adults. Less well known is the fact […]
After doing assemblies at close to 100 schools, Jeff finally got around to having one of his school visits videotaped. Here is a 40 minute presentation of Max Goes to Mars for grades 4-5. Note that for different age kids, he adjusts the science and activity level appropriately.
After doing assemblies at close to 100 schools, Jeff finally got around to having one of his school visits videotaped. Here is a presentation of Max Goes to Jupiter for grades 2-3. Note that for different age kids, he adjusts the science and activity level appropriately.
After doing assemblies at close to 100 schools, Jeff finally got around to having one of his school visits videotaped. Here is a half-hour presentation of Max Goes to the Moon for grades K-1. For older kids, he adjusts the science and activity level appropriately.
1. Ice on Mars — First direct detection of water on another world! The Phoenix lander, which arrived on Mars this past May, has confirmed the presence of water ice in its samples. Although orbital data have previously provided strong evidence of ice on Mars, this represents the first direct detection of water on another […]
A few months back I did a column on classroom careers for scientists. Several readers have suggested a follow-up on what astronomy departments can do for teachers, especially elementary teachers. I’ve participated in many discussions concerning this issue, and even joined colleagues in writing a couple of proposals to the National Science Foundation. Neither proposal […]
Written for Mercury magazine. You can use the 2000 presidential election morass to teach your students lessons in astronomy and science. It was my fervent hope that astronomy could provide an outlet for escaping the media circus of Election 2000, but personal experience showed that it was not to be. Months ago, my publicist scheduled […]
Written for Mercury magazine. Do you believe in creation or evolution? Take your time, because incorrect answers exacerbate the battle over teaching evolution in the school. Creationists can truthfully answer that they believe in creation. But for those of us who practice or teach science, the correct answer is neither. That is, the question presents […]
Written for Mercury magazine. It’s that time of academic year when colleges and universities begin thinking about faculty hiring for next year. So, continuing my habit of throwing myself into debates where I really don’t belong, I will offer some suggestions about hiring decisions. (Full disclosure: I do not currently have a tenure-track faculty position […]
Written for Mercury magazine. It was during “sharing” time in my first week as a teacher’s aide at Sunset View Elementary School (San Diego). Mike, a second-grader, shared a newspaper article about black holes. The teacher, Anne Earlywine, is one of the best I’ve ever seen, and I learned much of what I know about […]
