LEARNERS “Space Mysteries” Lynn Cominsky & Laura Whitlock Sonoma State University

LEARNERS “Space Mysteries”LEARNERS “Space Mysteries”

Lynn Cominsky & Laura Whitlock

Sonoma State University

Project OverviewProject Overview

Teach Physical Science & Mathematics

Inquiry-driven

Use the Web in a “videogame” adventure

ApproachApproach

Interaction, Innovation, Internet– Not just for CDs anymore– AASA Survey

Use real satellite data, interviews with real scientists, real analysis techniques

A Few DetailsA Few Details

Structurally flexible

Special materials for teachers, workshops to teach them how to use them

Standards everywhere– National Science Education Standards for Grades 9-12– National Mathematics Standards

http://perry.sonoma.edu/learners/

FOR MORE INFO...

Current StatusCurrent Status

Ideas/scenarios under development and review– 5 ideas developed– Currently under review by scientists &

educators– 3 will be pursued

Completion of this stage Feb 1, 2000

Sample Scenario #1Sample Scenario #1

Alien Bandstand A recording studio executive is looking for his next big hit has turned to the heavens. He has found a signal in some X-ray telescope satellite data that he claims is actually music from an alien civilization. He is offering it for sale. Is it or is it not alien tunes?

Sample Scenario #2Sample Scenario #2

Escape from the Doomed Planet A space colonist living on a planet far across the Galaxy notices unusual events starting to occur in the sky and on his world. You must help him determine what is happening and what course

of action he must take.

Sample Scenario #3Sample Scenario #3

The Big Blast A

deep space traveler awakes from the flight-freezer when long-range sensors sound the alert of a dangerous environment. You must discover what is happening and what course of action to take.

Sample Scenario #4Sample Scenario #4

Star Market Scandal

A new Internet company stars4sale.com is offering a number of Milky Way stars for sale. It has been noticed that someone is buying a large number of stars for unexpectedly high prices. It is your job to uncover why and whether action should be taken.

TeamTeam

A collaboration of scientists, educators, and industry– Dr. Lynn R. Cominsky and Dr. Laura A. Whitlock/

Sonoma State University

– Dr. Nick White/NASA-GSFC

– Videodiscovery, Incorporated

– High School Teachers Jay Goldberg - Sebastopol, CA EJ Dodds - Vallejo, CA Romanita Harrod - Hyattsville, MD Jane Mahon - Hoover, AL

Where We Can Be ReachedWhere We Can Be Reached

Web: http://perry.sonoma.edu/learners/

Email: laura.whitlock@sonoma.edu or lynnc@charmian.sonoma.edu

Post Office: Sonoma State University Dept of Physics & Astronomy 1801 East Cotati Avenue Rohnert Park, CA 94928

Call: 707-664-2256 (LAW) or 707-664-2655 (LRC)