Author Archives: astroteacher

The Eternal Recurrence of the Mars Hoax

Posted on August 22, 2018

It is a testament to how people tend to hear what they want to hear.  The first time was in August 2003 as people were preparing to observe the closest Mars opposition in approximately 60,000 years.  A fairly innocuous statement … Continue reading →

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A Pilgrimage to a Volcano

Posted on July 4, 2018

At approximately 8:30am on Sunday, May 18, 1980, I unexpectedly woke from a sound sleep.  At the time it seemed odd I woke at that particular time.  As the morning progressed, it was evident many others around western Washington state … Continue reading →

Posted in Earth History, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The Centrality of Phenomena

Posted on May 21, 2018

The quest for relevance and equity in science education Those of us who work in science education and outreach, including the staff at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, do so out of a sense of hope and belief our … Continue reading →

Posted in Education Matters, Science Education | 1 Comment

Standing in the Shadow of the Moon

Posted on September 6, 2017

For two years and more, the total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 consumed my life.  From writing and rewriting activities designed to teach about the eclipse, delivering numerous professional development sessions and workshops to teachers around the country, planning … Continue reading →

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Astronomical Phenomena as a Provocación for Learner Engagement

Posted on July 4, 2017

The total solar eclipse taking place on August 21, 2017 is a natural phenomenon on a grand scale. Though only those on the narrow swath cutting across the country from Oregon to South Carolina will see totality, everyone throughout the … Continue reading →

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Looking Afar to See Ourselves

Posted on April 15, 2017

Assimilating and accommodating new ideas and ways to do things is not always an easy task. Sometimes we find ourselves too close to old and comfortable ideas, unable to find a perspective from which to evaluate the potential for the … Continue reading →

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Creating a Revolution, One Eclipse at a Time

Posted on January 17, 2017

Alex Longo is not a typical 16-year old. As an eighth grader, he submitted a proposal to the Mars Rover 2020 landing site selection committee. Now a high school junior, Alex’s proposal, and his in-person advocacy have resulted in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Education Matters, Science Education, Uncategorized | Leave a comment