Using Games to Teach Astronomy
Date
2003
Authors
Francis, Paul
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Volume Title
Publisher
International Astronomical Union (IAU)
Abstract
We all know that astronomical research is a chaotic sociable deeply human enterprise full of baffling mysteries enigmatic clues and breathtakingly unexpected conclusions. Abundant evidence suggests that our students see astronomy very differently. They see it as a lonely activity: a collection of facts (and very pretty pictures) brought down from the mountain by antisocial ""experts"" for them to memorise.
Can we change this false perception? I've been experimenting with using role-playing games in the classroom. I've tried these games out on a wide range of high-school and university students. Students play the roles of competing teams of astronomers battling to solve some perplexing astrophysical enigma.
Do these games work? Sometimes! When they work well the really change student perceptions of science in a way that almost no other teaching technique can match. But there have been a fair number of embarrassing fiascos along the way... I will share my experiences and hard earned tips for avoiding disasters.
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Source
Type
Conference paper
Book Title
Effective Teaching and Learning of Astronomy, 25th meeting of the IAU, Special Session 4, 24-25 July, 2003 in Sydney, Australia
Entity type
Access Statement
Open Access