4.8
Project STAR: The Universe in Your Hands.
Harold P. Coyle, Bruce Gregory, William M. Luzader, and others. Project STAR: Science Teaching through Its Astronomical Roots, sponsored by Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt, 1993.
Program Overview
Project STAR is a full-year course that uses astronomy as a vehicle for teaching students about real-world applications of mathematics and physics. The activities were written for high school students but can be adapted for middle school. The course stresses the importance of measurements, observations, and building models. The program includes a student textbook, a teacher's guide, an activity book, and several kits.
Student Edition
Recommended grade level:
8+.
Reading level: late 9. Project STAR: The Universe in Your Handsfocuses first on the solar system, then on stars and galaxies beyond the solar system, and finally on a model of the universe as a whole. Subjects covered in this textbook include the day and night sky; distances, sizes, and angles; the behavior of light; mirrors and lenses; the size and distance relationships of the earth, moon, and sun; paths of the planets; stars; the Milky Way galaxy; and galaxies and the universe.
Each of the 15 chapters in Project STAR begins with several questions to test students' preconceptions about the subjects or concepts addressed in the chapter. In several hands-on activities, students then build and use simple but powerful tools to explore those concepts. For example, to answer questions about the position of the sun during the day, students learn how to measure the position of an object in the sky with their hands, plot the sun's apparent daily motion using a plastic hemisphere, and keep a journal of the sun's apparent motion.
Other examples of the lab investigations that students conduct during the course are these: determining the apparent size of an object as an angle measured in degrees; building scale models of the size and distance relations of the earth, moon, and sun to understand how the distances of these objects compare with their sizes; investigating what happens when different colors of the spectrum are projected onto the same place on a white screen; and estimating the size of the Milky Way galaxy and the distances to other galaxies by using the apparent brightness-distance nomogram.
The activities--which include suggestions for homework and extensions--are written at the high school level and employ mathematical skills such as basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. However, the activities can be easily adapted for different age groups or for science classes other than astronomy. Appendixes provide a guide to viewing the night sky and descriptive information about the moon and the solar system. A separate activity book--Where We Are in Space and Time--contains 21 additional hands-on activities.
Teacher's Guide
The teacher's guide to using the Project STAR materials and textbook includes a discussion of student preconceptions, tips for teaching each activity, reproducible activity masters, and answers to test questions and homework problems.
Program Resources and Support Materials
Individual Project STAR resource kits--for example, the Celestial Sphere Kit; the Refracting Telescope Kit, with Tubes; and the Solar System Scale Model Kit--contain most of the materials required to do an activity.
Key to Content Standards: 5-8 (see app. C)
UNIFYING CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES: Systems, order, and organization; evidence, models, and explanation; change, constancy, and measurement.
SCIENCE AS INQUIRY: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; understandings about scientific inquiry.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE: Transfer of energy.
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE: Earth in the solar system.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Understandings about science and technology.
SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES: Science and technology in society.
HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE: Science as a human endeavor; nature of science; history of science.
Prices:
Student edition (ISBN 0-8403-7715-0), $34.90. Teacher's guide (ISBN 0-8403-7716-9), $99.90. (Contact publisher/supplier for complete price and ordering information for kits.)
Publisher/supplier:
Kendall/Hunt.
Materials:
Available locally, or from commercial suppliers.
Topic Index listings linked to this entry
Use these listings to find related entries.
Astronomy, Earth Sciences: Concepts and Challenges in Earth Science, ~ Exploring Earth Science, ~ Glencoe Earth Science, Asteroid!, ~ Earth and Beyond, ~ Project Earth Science: Astronomy, ~ Activities for the School Planetarium, ~ Earthy Things, ~ Exploring Space: Using Seymour Simon's Astronomy Books in the Classroom, ~ Project SPICA: A Teacher Resource to Enhance Astronomy Education, ~ Science Experiments: Earth Science, ~ The Universe at Your Fingertips: An Astronomy Activity and Resource Notebook, Multi & Applied Sciences: Earth and Physical Science: Content and Learning Strategies, ~ Everyday Science: Real-Life Activities.
Earth-moon-sun system, Earth Sciences: Glencoe Earth Science, Earth and Beyond, ~ Earth, Moon, and Sun.
Galaxies, Earth Sciences: Concepts and Challenges in Earth Science, ~ Exploring Earth Science, ~ Glencoe Earth Science, Earth and Beyond, ~ Project SPICA: A Teacher Resource to Enhance Astronomy Education, ~ The Universe at Your Fingertips: An Astronomy Activity and Resource Notebook.
Lenses, Physical Sciences: Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Sound and Light, ~ Energy and Communications: How Can We Send and Receive Information?, ~ Lenses and Mirrors, ~ More Than Magnifiers, ~ Light, ~ Science Experiments: Chemistry and Physics, ~ Science Projects about Light, ~ The Wizard's Lab: Exhibit Guide, Life Sciences: Microworlds, Multi & Applied Sciences: Prime Science: Level B, ~ Prime Science: Level C, ~ Scientific Theories, ~ The Ben Franklin Book of Easy and Incredible Experiments: Activities, Projects, and Science Fun.
Light, Physical Sciences: Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Sound and Light, ~ Bubble-ology, ~ Color Analyzers, ~ Color and Light, ~ Energy and Communications: How Can We Send and Receive Information?, ~ Lenses and Mirrors, ~ Experiments with Bubbles, ~ How Everyday Things Work: 60 Descriptions and Activities, ~ Light, ~ Light, ~ The Magic Wand and Other Bright Experiments on Light and Color, ~ Optics, ~ Personal Science Laboratory Light Experiments, ~ Physical Science Activities for Elementary and Middle School, ~ Science Investigations for Intermediate Students, ~ Science Projects about Light, ~ Soap Films and Bubbles, ~ Targeting Students' Science Misconceptions: Physical Science Concepts Using the Conceptual Change Model, Life Sciences: Exploring Classroom Hydroponics, Multi & Applied Sciences: Matter and Energy in the Biosphere, ~ Prime Science: Level B, ~ Prime Science: Level C, ~ SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Blue, ~ Science 2000: Science 2 (Grade 8), ~ Scientific Theories, ~ Science on a Shoestring.
Mathematics, Earth Sciences: Project Earth Science: Astronomy, ~ Measuring Earthquakes, ~ Student Activities in Meteorology (SAM), Multi & Applied Sciences: Manufacturing, ~ A Sunken Ship, ~ Historical Connections in Mathematics: Resources for Using History of Mathematics in the Classroom.Vol I, ~ Historical Connections in Mathematics: Resources for Using History of Mathematics in the Classroom. Vol. III, ~ Multiculturalism in Mathematics, Science, and Technology: Readings and Activities, ~ Multicultural Science and Math Connections: Middle School Projects and Activities, ~ Technology Science Mathematics Connection Activities, ~ Thematic Applications: Sciences II.
Milky Way, Earth Sciences: Activities for the School Planetarium.
Mirrors, Physical Sciences: Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Sound and Light, ~ Lenses and Mirrors, ~ Light, ~ Personal Science Laboratory Light Experiments, ~ Science Projects about Light, Multi & Applied Sciences: Prime Science: Level B, ~ Prime Science: Level C, ~ Scientific Theories.
Models, Physical Sciences: Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Matter: Building Block of the Universe, ~ Chemical Interactions, ~ Experimenting with Model Rockets, ~ Inventor's Lab, ~ Newton's Toy Box, ~ Experiments with Balloons, ~ Experiments with Motion, ~ LEGO Technic I Activity Center, ~ Machines, ~ Science Experiments: Chemistry and Physics, ~ Simple and Motorized Machines Activity Pack, ~ Soap Films and Bubbles, ~ Structures, Life Sciences: Glencoe Life Science, ~ Heredity: The Code of Life, ~ DNA--From Genes to Proteins, ~ Food, Energy, and Growth, ~ From Genes to Jeans: An Activity-Based Unit on Genetic Engineering and Agriculture, ~ The Human Body: How Can I Maintain and Care for Myself?, ~ An Introduction to Biotechnology: Book 2, ~ Life Changes through Time, ~ You and Your Body, ~ Zebra Mussel Mania, ~ The Molecular Model of DNA and Its Replication Kit, ~ Order and Diversity in the Living World: Teaching Taxonomy and Systematics in Schools, Environmental Sciences: Plastics in Our Lives, ~ Water: Can We Keep It Fit for Life?, ~ Environmental Issues: Intermediate, ~ Environmental Resource Guide: Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention, ~ Global Awareness for Students (GAS): Studies in Climate, ~ H2O Below: An Activity Guide for Groundwater Study, ~ STV: Water, Earth Sciences: Asteroid!, ~ Earth, Moon, and Stars, ~ Earth Processes, ~ Earthquake!, ~ Earthquakes, ~ The Moons of Jupiter, ~ Project Earth Science: Geology, ~ River Cutters, ~ Stories in Stone, ~ The Universe: Exploring Stars, Constellations, and Galaxies, ~ Earthquakes: A Teacher's Package for K-6, ~ Earth Science Investigations, ~ Earthy Things, ~ Hands-On Geology: K-12 Activities and Resources, ~ Janice VanCleave's Earthquakes: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects, ~ On the Rocks: Earth Science Activities for Grades 1-8, ~ Project SPICA: A Teacher Resource to Enhance Astronomy Education, ~ A Sedimentary Geologists' Guide to Helping K-12 Earth Science Teachers: Hints, Ideas, Activities and Resources, Multi & Applied Sciences: Models and Designs, ~ Prime Science: Level C, ~ Energy Transformations: Fourth Module in Bio-Related Technologies Unit, ~ Hot Water and Warm Homes from Sunlight, ~ How Telecommunication Works: How People Use Energy to Communicate, ~ If Shipwrecks Could Talk, ~ JASON IV Curriculum: Baja California Sur, ~ Life: Here? There? Elsewhere? The Search for Life on Venus and Mars, ~ Packaging, ~ A Sunken Ship, ~ The Teaching Tank Discovery Book, ~ The Teaching Tank Discovery Book, ~ Technology Science Mathematics Connection Activities, ~ Transformations: Science, Technology and Society.
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Physics, Physical Sciences: Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Science Experiments: Chemistry and Physics, Multi & Applied Sciences: Earth and Physical Science: Content and Learning Strategies, ~ Forecasting the Future: Exploring Evidence for Global Climate Change.
Planets, Earth Sciences: Asteroid!, ~ Earth and Beyond, ~ The Evolution of a Planetary System, ~ The Moons of Jupiter, ~ Project Earth Science: Astronomy, ~ Global Climates--Past, Present, and Future: Activities for Integrated Science Education, ~ Project SPICA: A Teacher Resource to Enhance Astronomy Education, ~ The Universe at Your Fingertips: An Astronomy Activity and Resource Notebook, Multi & Applied Sciences: Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Sixth Grade, ~ Life: Here? There? Elsewhere? The Search for Life on Venus and Mars.
Scale model, Earth Sciences: Earth and Beyond, ~ Earth, Moon, and Sun, ~ The Evolution of a Planetary System, ~ The Moons of Jupiter, ~ Project Earth Science: Astronomy, ~ Water, Stones, and Fossil Bones, Multi & Applied Sciences: Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Sixth Grade, ~ A Sunken Ship.
Sky, Earth Sciences: Earth, Moon, and Stars, ~ The Universe: Exploring Stars, Constellations, and Galaxies.
Solar system, Earth Sciences: Concepts and Challenges in Earth Science, ~ Exploring Earth Science, ~ Glencoe Earth Science, Asteroid!, ~ Earth and Beyond, ~ Earth, Moon, and Sun, ~ The Evolution of a Planetary System, ~ Project Earth Science: Astronomy, ~ Earth Science Investigations, ~ Global Climates--Past, Present, and Future: Activities for Integrated Science Education, ~ The Great Solar System Rescue, ~ Project SPICA: A Teacher Resource to Enhance Astronomy Education, ~ Thematic Applications: Sciences I, ~ The Universe at Your Fingertips: An Astronomy Activity and Resource Notebook, ~ Water, Stones, and Fossil Bones, Multi & Applied Sciences: Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Sixth Grade, ~ Prime Science: Level C, ~ Science Interactions: Course 3, ~ Science 2000: Science 1 (Grade 7), ~ JASON VI: Island Earth, Hawai'i Expedition Curriculum, ~ Life: Here? There? Elsewhere? The Search for Life on Venus and Mars.
Stars, Earth Sciences: Concepts and Challenges in Earth Science, ~ Exploring Earth Science, ~ Glencoe Earth Science, The Evolution of a Planetary System, ~ The Universe: Exploring Stars, Constellations, and Galaxies, ~ Activities for the School Planetarium, ~ Project SPICA: A Teacher Resource to Enhance Astronomy Education, ~ The Universe at Your Fingertips: An Astronomy Activity and Resource Notebook, Multi & Applied Sciences: SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Red.
Sun, Earth Sciences: Solar Energy, ~ Earth, Moon, and Sun, ~ Project Earth Science: Astronomy, ~ The Amateur Meteorologist: Explorations and Investigations, ~ Atmospheric Dynamics, ~ Exploring Space: Using Seymour Simon's Astronomy Books in the Classroom, ~ Project SPICA: A Teacher Resource to Enhance Astronomy Education, ~ The Universe at Your Fingertips: An Astronomy Activity and Resource Notebook, Multi & Applied Sciences: Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Sixth Grade, ~ Science Interactions: Course 3, ~ Life: Here? There? Elsewhere? The Search for Life on Venus and Mars.
Universe, Earth Sciences: Exploring Earth Science, Earth and Beyond, ~ Earth, Moon, and Stars, ~ The Evolution of a Planetary System, ~ The Universe: Exploring Stars, Constellations, and Galaxies, ~ Project SPICA: A Teacher Resource to Enhance Astronomy Education, Multi & Applied Sciences: Science Interactions: Course 3, ~ SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Red.
