This research is based on the "Journey through Space and Time" (JTST) educational astronomy project for primary and junior high school science curricula in Australia, which seeks to improve students' astronomy content knowledge through science inquiry. The focus of the current project is on the learning needs of students for whom the…

Describes several significant observations by amateur astronomers of recent, spectacular clouds and storm systems on Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. (Author/JJK)

Discusses instrumentation and describes such research areas as the albedos of the brighter planets, rotation rates and atmospheres of the larger and brighter satellites, brightness changes of outer planets, asteroid rotation rates, and variable stars. (GS)

Instructions are provided for the construction of 4.5 foot diameter planetarium shells. (CP)

Describes the organizational framework, didactic and methodological considerations, and the content of a four-day astronomy project in a secondary West German school. Presents information on the media used and related literature. Appended are the instruments of observation. (DB)

Presents two calculations of the probability of detection of an interstellar comet, under the hypothesis that such comets would escape from comet clouds similar to that believed to surround the sun. Proposes three problems, each of which would be a reasonable term project for a motivated undergraduate. (Author/MLH)

Describes a secondary project in which students must organize an expedition to settle the people of the Earth on a new planet. (MLH)

A high school student builds a simple drive mechanism for making extended photographic exposures of star clusters. Second and third place winner's projects are described. (EB)

Described is a science fair project in which M- and X-class x-ray flares on the surface of the earth were detected using a Geiger counter. Background information, the problem, hypothesis, a list of needed materials, the procedure, observations, conclusions, and a critique are included. (KR)

Describes activities to stimulate school astronomy programs. Topics include: counting stars; the Earth's centripetal force; defining astronomical time; three types of sundials; perceptions of star brightness; sunspots and solar radiation; stellar spectroscopy; number-crunching and the molecular structure of the atmosphere; the Earth-Moon common…

The teaching materials listed in this annotated bibliography emphasize an observational and "hands-on" approach to awakening students' interest in their universe. The sources, which are for teachers and students, can be used to create courses, units, or concepts to stimulate learning. Individual and class projects range from instructive…

This document presents sources to assist elementary and secondary school students and teachers in planning, preparing, and executing projects in the space sciences. Bibliographies for the following sections are included: (1) Basic Texts, (2) Specialized Texts, (3) Classroom Experiments and Activities, (4) Background Readings, (5) Related Titles,…

Describes the use of a faceted geodesic structure in place of the true spherical dome in the construction of an effective and modestly priced planetarium. Indicates that the construction can be undertaken as a student group project. (CC)

Describes a six-week project, in which students ground their own mirror, built a working telescope, and learned how and why it all works. (PR)