PERC 2021 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Incorporating computational activities in a general education astronomy course |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | We report on the impact of incorporating computational activities into a one semester general astronomy course. Computation has been shown to be an effective active learning tool in physics for developing understanding of concepts, connecting concepts with formulae, and associating science with prediction. Fifteen spreadsheet-based computational exercises were designed and field tested to complement the existing active learning astronomy curriculum. Examples of these computational exercises are presented along with assessment of the success of these computational activities. The reasons for introducing computational activities will be discussed, along with benefits supporting the inclusion, and difficulties faced when implementing the change. Student learning pre to post was measured with the TOAST and LPCI. Additionally, student survey data was collected to investigate student attitudes toward computational exercises and overall perceptions of the course. Assessment revealed TOAST correctness gains of 20\%, LPCI correctness gains of 29\%, and overall positive attitudes towards the computational activities. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Session Time: | Poster Session 1 Room C |
| Poster Number: | 1C-9 |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Raymond Zich Illinois State University Normal, IL 61790 Phone: 309-438-7009 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Rebecca Rosenblatt - AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow James DiCaro - Illinois State University |
