HR: 09:25h
AN: ED31A-06    [PDF]
TI: Effectiveness of Geowall Technology in Conceptualizing the Earth-Moon System
AU: * Turner, N E
EM: neturner@utep.edu
AF: University of Texas El Paso, Dept. of Physics, El Paso, TX 79912 United States
AU: Lopez, R E
EM: relopez@utep.edu
AF: University of Texas El Paso, Dept. of Physics, El Paso, TX 79912 United States
AU: Hamed, K M
EM: kastro@utep.edu
AF: University of Texas El Paso, Dept. of Physics, El Paso, TX 79912 United States
AB: One persistent difficulty many students of earth and planetary science face is the lack of 3-dimensional mental model of the Earth-Moon system. Students without such a mental model can have a very hard time conceptualizing the geometric relationships that cause the cycle of lunar phases. We present results from a study using a 3-D Geowall with a simulated sunlit Earth-Moon system on undergraduate students' ability to understand the origins of lunar phases. We test three groups of students: some with traditional in-class instruction, some with a laboratory exercise using the Geowall Earth-Moon simulation, and some students who were exposed to both. Students are given pre and post tests using the Lunar Phase Concept Inventory (LPCI) diagnostic. In addition to the diagnostic tests, free response comments are solicited from the students, and their responses are presented as well. We will discuss the effectiveness of this technology as a teaching tool and explore student reactions to the experience.
DE: 6605 Education
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting