Student Comprehension of Mathematics through Astronomy

Autor/in	Search, Robert
Titel	Student Comprehension of Mathematics through Astronomy
Quelle	(2016), (282 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit Ed.D. Dissertation, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Monographie
ISBN	978-1-3696-1096-3
Schlagwörter	Hochschulschrift; Dissertation; Mathematics Instruction; Teaching Methods; Comprehension; Astronomy; Mathematical Concepts; Scientific Concepts; Undergraduate Study; College Mathematics; Equations (Mathematics); Calculus; Video Technology; Interviews; Student Interests + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Thesis; Dissertations; Academic thesis; Mathematics lessons; Mathematikunterricht; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Verstehen; Verständnis; Astronomie; Grundstudium; Equations; Mathematics; Gleichungslehre; Analysis; Differenzialrechnung; Infinitesimalrechnung; Integralrechnung; Interviewing; Interviewtechnik; Studieninteresse
Abstract	The purpose of this study is to examine how knowledge of astronomy can enhance college-level learning situations involving mathematics. The fundamental symbiosis between mathematics and astronomy was established early in the 17th century when Johannes Kepler deduced the 3 basic laws of planetary motion. This mutually harmonious relationship between these sciences has been reinforced repeatedly in history. In the early 20th century, for example, astronomer Arthur Eddington used photographic evidence from a 1919 solar eclipse to verify Einstein's mathematical theory of relativity. This study was conducted in 5 undergraduate mathematics classes over the course of 2 years. An introductory course in ordinary differential equations, taught in Spring Semester 2013, involved 4 students. A similar course in Spring Semester 2014 involved 6 students, a Summer Semester 2014 Calculus II course involved 2 students, and a Summer 2015 Astronomy course involved 8 students. The students were asked to use Kepler's astronomical evidence to deduce mathematical laws normally encountered on an undergraduate level. They were also asked to examine the elementary mathematical aspects involved in a theoretical trajectory to the planet Neptune. The summer astronomy class was asked to draw mathematical conclusions about large numbers from the recent discoveries concerning the dwarf planet Pluto. The evidence consists primarily of videotaped PowerPoint presentations conducted by the students in both differential equations classes, along with interviews and tests given in all the classes. All presentations were transcribed and examined to determine the effect of astronomy as a generator of student understanding of mathematics. An analysis of the data indicated two findings: definite student interest in a subject previously unknown to most of them and a desire to make the mathematical connection to celestial phenomena. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.] (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01