Exploring Our Solar Neighborhood

Presentation at the National Science Teachers Association

Sponsored by Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University

Todd Gary, Rick Chappell, and Judy Butler

April 2004

Educational research has demonstrated that comparing and contrasting information is a powerful tool for improving understanding and will increase student achievement. (Marzano, 2001) Teachers and students learned ways to analyze the critical attributes of Earth and other solar system bodies to make detailed comparisons. A central theme for the programs was the "Earth-Sun Connection" presented by Dr. Rick Chappell, who directed the research for NASA at the Marshal Space Center for 25 years.   Dr. Chappell presented information about the relationship between the Earth and the Sun. The NASA curriculum materials called "Living with a Star" and numerous Internet resources are available to download from NASA sites. See the resources section of this web page.

The activities presented and the material discussed at NSTA were taken from the year-long project called Exploring Our Solar Neighborhood that was funded by a NASA Ideas grant.

During 2003 and 2004 staff and faculty from Dyer Observatory of Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University offered high quality professional development to middle Tennessee teachers in a way that engaged their interest and sparked the imagination of their students. The combination of activities for teachers and students provided exciting ways to integrate astronomy, Earth, and space science in the classroom.

Teachers and students learned about the "Earth-Sun Connection" using the NASA guide called "Living with a Star" from Dr. Rick Chappell, former director NASA at the Marshal Space Center.

Dr. Todd Gary presented new discoveries in Astrobiology and Judy Butler managed the NASA Ideas Grant program.

Professional Development Standards -- learning of science content through inquiry; integrating knowledge about science with knowledge about learning, pedagogy, and students; promoting lifelong learning opportunities. For national staff development standards see the National Staff Development Council web site.

It is critical that we inspire the next generation of scientists. Understanding what research tells us about how students learn combined with inspiration will promote life long learners.

Universities Sponsoring Our Solar Neighborhood

Dyer Observatory of Vanderbilt University

Tennessee State University Center of Excellence Information Systems COE

Activities for Our Solar Neighborhood

Drawn To Space: Moon Journals Overview of Moon Journal Workshops

Celebration of Flight Teacher Workshop and Young Eagles

Resource Materials

Astrobiology Resources

Meteorite Mysteries NASA Teacher's Guide

Classroom Instruction That Works: Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement Robert Marzano's Book (Comparing and Contrasting and other strategies that research demonstrates to raise student achievement.)

Make a comet

Space Weather Center (Sun spots and more)

Aurora (See pictures and explanations)