HR: 09:15h
AN: ED11A-06    [Abstracts]
TI: Effectiveness of GeoWall Visualization Technology for Conceptualization of the Sun-Earth-Moon System
AU: * Turner, N E
EM: neturner@fit.edu
AF: Florida Institute of Technology, Physics and Space Sciences 150 W University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901
AU: Gray, C
EM: wildflower81921@yahoo.com
AF: University of Texas at El Paso, Physics Dept, El Paso, TX 79968
AU: Mitchell, E J
EM: ejoymitchell@yahoo.com
AF: University of Texas at El Paso, Physics Dept, El Paso, TX 79968
AB: One persistent difficulty many introductory astronomy students face is the lack of a 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. The GeoWall is a recently developed and affordable projection mechanism for three-dimensional stereo visualization which is becoming a popular tool in classrooms and research labs. 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 students exposed to only in-class instruction, some with a laboratory exercise using the GeoWall Earth-Moon simulation, some students who were exposed to both, and some with an alternate activity involving lunar observations. Students are given pre and post tests using the a diagnostic test called the Lunar Phase Concept Inventory (LPCI). We discuss the effectiveness of this technology as a teaching tool for lunar phases.
DE: 0810 Post-secondary education
DE: 0820 Curriculum and laboratory design
DE: 0850 Geoscience education research
SC: Education and Human Resourcese [ED]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting