Reading and hearing about stars, planets, and galaxies is all very good, but real astronomical observatories seem far away and off-limits for an introductory student. It’d be nice if someone came up with a more efficient way to access astronomical data and explore the cosmos. Luckily, someone did. With a single login for WebAssign, you can explore the universe, connect with your instructor, and have access to interactive Virtual Astronomy Labs all in one place! Not your usual end of chapter homework problems, these are fully featured learning activities. Each item incorporates a guiding narrative, images, animations, interactive simulations and data analysis tools that allow you to learn by doing.
LEARNING PATH
Introduction – sets the stage for the learning activity by providing students with contextual relevance both to your course and their role as citizens of the universe.
Modular activities – Connected yet independent modules within each lab are assembled in an accordion structure and aligned with learning objectives. These may be assigned individually or as a collective.
Interactive analysis tools – Astronomical data presented alongside HTML5 interactive analysis tools in-line with the readings provide a seamless transition from background narrative to interactive engagement.
Astronomical simulations – HTML5-based simulations that allow students to explore different parameters and discover key relationships through active use.
Exercises - Automatically graded activities that accompany the analysis tools and simulations will feed directly into the course gradebook.
Summary – A review of the elements of each lab giving the direct alignment with the learning objectives
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Michael A. Seeds
Mike Seeds was a professor of physics and astronomy at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from 1970 until his retirement in 2001. In 1989 he received F&M College’s Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Mike’s love for the history of astronomy led him to create upper-level courses on archaeoastronomy and on the Copernican Revolution (“Changing Concepts of the Universe”). His research interests focused on variable stars and automation of astronomical telescopes. Mike is coauthor with Dana Backman of Horizons: Exploring the Universe, 12th edition (2012); Universe: Solar Systems, Stars, and Galaxies, 7th edition (2012); Stars and Galaxies, 8th edition (2013); The Solar System, 8th edition (2013); and ASTRO, 2nd edition (2013), all published by Cengage. He was senior consultant for creation of the 20-episode telecourse accompanying his book Horizons: Exploring the Universe.
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Complete online astronomy lab sequence - WebAssign Virtual Astronomy Labs can be used as a full introductory astronomy laboratory sequence for either traditional or online / distance learners.
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Combination of qualitative and quantitative tasks – Some modules are highly conceptual in nature and emphasize qualitative deductive reasoning, while other modules require guided numerical analysis.
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Wide variety of subject matter – With 20 different labs the full breadth of introductory astronomy material is covered, from orbital motion and blackbody spectra to continental drift and gravity waves.
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Modular nature supports different pedagogies – while the default configuration of each lab includes use of all modular sections, each section can be assigned independently to customize the student experience within or across multiple labs.
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Curated introductory content -- Helps streamline your workflow with carefully curated content saving you valuable time in your course preparations. In addition, Virtual Astronomy Labs automatically grades assignments and quizzes while also providing students with instant feedback on their work.
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Self-paced learning – With a modular format, instant grading and targeted feedback, you have access to help when it fits into your schedule.
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Not your usual end of chapter homework problems, these are fully-featured learning activities. Each item incorporates narrative, images, animations, interactive simulations and data analysis tools that allow you to learn by doing.
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Easy Navigation - Narrative and media elements are within an accordion structure to enable quick and easy progress. Any assessment is, however, located outside this structure so there’s never a risk of you missing a question.