As a participant in the Conoco-Phillips Summer Institute at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics this summer, I was given a copy of The Story of Science: Einstein adds a new Dimension by Joy Hakim. I read the book soon after our workshop. Then, I remembered seeing a VHS copy of Carl Sagan's series Cosmos in my science closet. I also remembered watching some of Sagan's film on PBS when I was a high school student 20+ years ago. I remeber doing this on my own by myself at home. I did not atke physics or astronomy in high school or college.Upon returning to my classroom last week, I dug out Sagan's videos and I have been watching them over the past few days. I had forgotten what a good production this was, or maybe I just appreciate it more now. Even though I am an "intellectual larvae" when it comes to physics and astronomy, this stuff seems to makes more sense to me now. I wonder how I can translate all this into a captivating lecture/exercises series for my students this year? I am hopeful, but uncertain. At the same time I am afraid (based on previous experiences) that most students don't really care to know their universe. I hope I am wrong, otherwise it will be a long year for my kids since I am determined to expose them as I was not.
I intend to incorperate some of these materials into 8th Grade Science and Earth Science (grades 9-12) this year.
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Years ago I visited the fourth grade class at will Rogers school in shawnee. I found them very eager to learn about astronomy. They didn't lose interest until about the sixth grade I think. then some regain it in high school. At SGfU geology is well subscribed if not well liked. Physics is not.
ReplyDeleteThe Sagan shows are very good; and historical...give a great view of the 70s tonsorial and sartorial customs of the time!
By the way, my high school 50th graduating class reunion is scheduled for this August.
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