BigIDEASinCosmology The traditional textbook, bound to the physical limits of the printed page, cannot illustrate the full complexity, movement, and beauty of the cosmos. In 2012, NASA granted astronomer Lynn Cominsky a multi-year grant with a mandate to develop an interactive experience that could better capture the dynamic nature of the universe. Dr. Cominsky was joined by like-minded astronomers and practicing educators Kim Coble, Kevin McLin, Anne Metevier, Carolyn Peruta, and Janelle Bailey. This collaboration built the fully digital publication the Big Ideas in Cosmology. The Story Continues
The development process began with extensive research and vigorous peer review, to ensure the quality of the content and the level of instruction. Field testing was conducted at Sonoma State University to evaluate the effectiveness of the publication’s methods and pedagogy, which revealed high levels of engagement and comprehension for science and non-science majors alike. Now available through Great River Learning, Big Ideas in Cosmology focuses on basic Introductory Astronomy concepts. The material is presented through interactive exercises, animations, and videos- allowing students of all learning modalities to internalize the content in the method that is easiest and most efficient for them. Main Topics Review of Mathematics Size and Scope Light Telescopes Moving through Space Moving through Time Measuring Cosmic Distances Classical Physics Dark Matter Special Relativity General Relativity Black Holes Gravitational Lensing The Expansion of the Universe Large Scale Structure The Cosmic Microwave Background The Early Universe Dark Energy and the Fate of the Universe Authors Kim Coble, CSU Kevin McLin, SSU Janelle M. Bailey, Temple Anne J. Metevier, SSU Carolyn C, Peruta, SSU Lynn Cominsky, SSU SCHOOLS Chicago State University Guilford College Sonoma State University
Students would just be much more interested in learning about modern science and seeing the actual real data that shows us what we understand about the universe than learning about the phases of the moon and the reasons for seasons and things that have been known since the ancient Greeks. Author Lynn Cominsky