Space Physics Teaching Modules
Collaboration with I. Doxas at CIPS UC Boulder

K-8 and Undergraduate Teaching Modules We develop web-based teaching modules centered around previously developed space physics java applets. Two types of applets are being integrated into modules: 1) Two simple instructional applets that demonstrate basic scientific principles and mechanisms using space physics as the context: one on the ExB drift and one on the grad-B drift. The applets are currently free-standing, meaning they have not been integrated into a teaching website. They are assigned with lab sheets prepared by the individual instructors. They were tested in the Spring 2004 at an introductory general physics class for non-science majors at the University of Northern Colorado, called "Space Flight". The class had an enrollment of 112, and the applets were given as a two-week assignment that was part of the homework grade (the assignment was worth two homework sets). The class used collaborative learning throughout the semester, with students assigned to groups of four. Assessment consisted of a 14- item before/after questionnaire, followed by individual and group interviews. Average normalized learning gains were g=0.32, well within the expected range for collaborative learning (cf. Hake, 1998; by comparison, traditional lectures average learning gains of g=0.22). It should be emphasized here that the learning gains are associated with the instructional mode, not the instructional materials. The only claim that can be made about the materials is that when used in a well designed collaborative learning environment they perform as expected (there is every reason to expect that the learning gains will be comparable to lectures if the materials are assigned as do-it-alone exercises). During the proposed project, the applets will be integrated into a teaching module in the Solar System collaboratory website with ready-made assignments, so they can be integrated into an introductory course without any additional development from the part of the instructor. The level of the assignments will be the introductory physics course for non-science majors. The module will be tested in an introductory class at CU Boulder and UT Austin. CU Boulder also has a teacher preparation program and prospective science teachers act as Learning Assistants in the introductory course. These prospective science teachers will also be trained to use the module. We are developing the science content for an elementary level module to be integrated into a computer based tutoring system being developed by the Center for Spoken Language Research We will introduce space physics into the set of elementary school science modules being developed by CSLR. 2) A general mangetospheric java applet which can present to the student the predictions of the different underlying physical mechanisms that can be used to model real data (see above). Models currently addressed in the modules include WINDMI, and WINDMI-RC, as well as two versions of the Tsyganenko model. The applet was used in lecture demonstrations in the same "Space Flight" class as above but no assessment was carried out on its instructional effectiveness. The applet will be integrated into a module to be used in lecture demonstrations at the introductory level, but it will not be tested for instructional effectiveness.