Bad Astronomy Presentations

(Last updated 5/05/2011, cjw)

Teachers will, on the date of the final examination, deliver a Bad Astronomy presentation. Each teacher will give her own presentation.

The presentation will address three alternative conceptions from space science, and explain how the teacher would elicit, confront, identify, resolve, and reinforce for improved student learning. The following approach should be used in order to prepare for and make these presentations:

1. Begin by carefully reading Dealing more effectively with alternative conceptions in science and Working with the Illinois Learning Standards: A constructivist approach
2. Visit the Bad Astronomy web site for additional ideas and possibilities.
3. Identify three alternative conceptions that you would like to elicit, confront, identify, resolve, and reinforce for improved student learning.
4. Explain how the alternative conceptions are related to ISAT (or PSAE) testing, citing ILS Goal 12 - Concepts and Principles as appropriate.
5. Prepare and deliver a presentation to the class on the date of the in-class final examination. A PowerPoint presentation is highly recommended.
6. An oral presentation scoring rubric will be used for peer assessment of presentations.