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Student comprehension of mathematics through astronomy
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Search, Robert. Student comprehension of mathematics through astronomy. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3QZ2D8K

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TitleStudent comprehension of mathematics through astronomy
NameSearch, Robert (author); Weber, Keith (chair); Rutgers University; Graduate School of Education
Date Created2016
Other Date2016-10 (degree)
SubjectDesign of Learning Contexts, Astronomy, Mathematics--Study and teaching
Extent1 online resource (xi, 271 p. : ill.)
DescriptionThe 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.
NoteEd.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Noteby Robert Search
Genretheses, ETD doctoral
Persistent URLhttps://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3QZ2D8K
Languageeng
CollectionGraduate School of Education Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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