Essays on Eclipses, Transits and Occultations as Teaching Tools in the Introductory Astronomy College Course

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of student essays on eclipses, transits, and occultations as educational tools in an introductory astronomy course, aiming to enhance engagement and understanding of astronomical events.

Contribution

It introduces a novel assignment involving essays on astronomical events to improve student interest and conceptual understanding in a college astronomy course.

Findings

62% of essays received high grades

21% of students reported increased interest in astronomy

Students expressed need for better guidance in essay writing

Abstract

We occasionally include projects in our learner-centered introductory astronomy college course to enable non-science major students explore some astronomical concepts in more detail than otherwise. Such projects also highlight ongoing or upcoming astronomical events. We hope that students will feel more interested in astronomy through projects tied to astronomical events. In Spring 2012, we offered short essays focused on eclipses, transits and occultations to promote the rare transit of Venus that occurred on June 5th, 2012. We asked students to write two short essays from three that were offered. The essays contained descriptive and conceptual parts. They were meant to serve as teaching tools. 62% of 106 essays from 55 students earned A, B or C grades. 21% of 47 feedback survey respondents felt the essays increased their interest in astronomy. 49% of respondents felt that the essays were not educationally beneficial and should not be offered again. The most common written response to our survey indicated that students need more guidance and better preparation in writing successful essays. Since students found the conceptual parts of the essays difficult, in the future we will provide relevant activities prior to essay deadlines to help students create successful essays.