Session AAPT1: Physics Teaching and Physics Education Research
2:30 PM–3:30 PM, Friday, March 7, 2008
Omni Corpus Christi Hotel Marina Tower Room: Padre A
Chair: Lionel Hewett, Texas A and M Kingsville
Abstract ID: BAPS.2008.TSS.AAPT1.3
Abstract: AAPT1.00003 : Comarison of Four Methods for Teaching Phases of the Moon
2:54 PM–3:06 PM
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Abstract 
Authors:
Brianna Upton
(UT Arlington)
Ximena Cid
(UT Arlington)
Ramon Lopez
(UT Arlington)
Previous studies have shown that many students have misconceptions about basic concepts in astronomy. As a consequence, various interactive engagement methods have been developed for introductory astronomy. We will present the results of a study that compares four different teaching methods for the subject of the phases of the Moon, which is well known to produce student difficulties. We compare a fairly traditional didactic approach, the use of manipulatives (moonballs) in lecture, the University of Arizona Lecture Tutorials, and an interactive computer program used in a didactic fashion. We use pre- and post-testing with the Lunar Phase Concept Inventory to determine the relative effectiveness of these methods.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2008.TSS.AAPT1.3