Exploring the Breadth and Sources of Variable Star Astronomers' Astronomy Knowledge: First Steps (Abstract)

Volume 40 number 1 (2012)

Stephanie J. Slater

2265 Broadleaf Loop, Castle Rock, CO 81019; sslaterwyo@gmail.com

Abstract

(Abstract only) There is considerable interest related to the astronomy content knowledge of various groups, whether that group consists of 3rd graders who have just learned the phases of the moon, or astronomy graduate students who are working on original research. Similarly, the Center for Astronomy and Physics Education Research (CAPER) Team and the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) are interested in the general astronomy content knowledge of the AAVSO members. To increase our understanding of the knowledge base of today’s variable star astronomers, we asked a subset of members to respond to an online general astronomy content knowledge survey called the Test Of Astronomy Standards (TOAST). The TOAST is a twenty-nine-item, multiple-choice format assessment instrument which addresses the full range of topics commonly taught in an introductory astronomy survey course, and is criterion referenced aligned to the consensus learning goals stated by the AAS Chair’s Conference on ASTRO 101, the AAAS Project 2061 Benchmarks, and the NRC National Science Education Standards. This paper presents preliminary results on this work to the AAVSO membership in the hope that the findings will begin a conversation about the kinds of experiences and education that are transformative for this important group of astronomy researchers.