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T. L. Duncan (Center for Science Education, Portland State University)
There are many valid reasons for teaching astronomy to nonspecialists. One important reason is the long-term impact this knowledge can have on the worldviews from which students view their relationship to the rest of the universe. Insights from modern astronomy can profoundly influence this perspective, when presented in such a way that the scientific concepts and facts make real contact with elements of students’ personal worldviews. In this introductory talk I will clarify what we mean by worldviews and how they influence our lives, and outline the case for teaching astronomy from this point of view. I will also discuss some of the challenges of organizing and teaching an astronomy course that tries to make direct contact with students' worldviews.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: duncant@pdx.edu
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #2
© YEAR. The American Astronomical Soceity.