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Online Jun 03-Aug 23, 2013 Credit: 3 graduate Tuition & Fees: $835.05 NSTA members receive a discount. Instructor(s): Ron Hellings |
Course DescriptionAstronomy has long been a subject that captures the imagination of young students and provides a framework for teaching many kinds of science. This course, specially designed for practicing science teachers at the middle and high school levels, serves as a survey of topics in astronomy, with special emphasis on the latest advances. The topics are closely aligned with the concepts emphasized in the NRC National Science Education Standards. Our textbook is a very complete, very up-to-date, very readable source that teachers will want to keep as a reference. Our instructional strategy focuses on readings from the textbook, exercises that clarify the concepts and collaborative internet group discussions that correct misunderstandings and deepen insights.Meeting Place and TimesTeachers login to the course at a time of day that best fits their schedule. It is necessary to connect at least 4 - 6 times per week and spend 9 - 12 hours each week the course is in session, working on course requirements, to stay current and successfully complete this 3 credit course. The time estimate above includes both the time teachers will spend on-line participating in group discussions and the time spent off-line working on assignments and projects. Instructor(s)Ron Hellings, PhD.Dr. Hellings is a graduate of Montana State University. After 4 years as a professor at Southern Oregon University and University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Hellings went to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he worked for 25 years as a research scientist. But it bothered him that there was no opportunity to teach at JPL, so he moonlighted for 24 of those years as a part-time Physics professor at Harvey Mudd College, Pomona College, Scripps, Cal Poly, and Mt San Antonio College. He is now back again at MSU as a researcher and teacher, though he recently spent 3 years on loan to NASA Headquarters to serve as the Discipline Scientist for NASA’s Astrophysics Theory Program. His own research is in the areas of General Relativity and Cosmology. PrerequisitesGraduate standing; one year of teaching experience; reliable online service provider and access to Microsoft Word.Target AudienceCurrently certified middle and high school teachers with one year of teaching experience.Time Commitment:9-12 hours per week. If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.Tuition and Fees
NSTA Members are eligible to receive a 10% discount on tuition. Enter your NSTA Membership Number when you are asked for it on the registration form to receive your discount. A $30 registration fee is also charged once per semester. The costs above assume that you are taking only MSU Extended University courses during the semester that the course is offered. If you also registered for courses through the MSU Registrar, the regular MSU fee structure may apply. A $40 late fee will be assessed if payment is not posted to your account by 3 pm (Mountain Time) of the course start date (or the business day before if the course starts on a weekend or a holiday). To learn more about tuition and fees, please see the University Business Services' Student Accounts Web page. Required Books/Materials
Teachers are on their own to pick up a copy of the text before the course begins. Computer Requirements:
This course uses a learning management system. You will learn more closer to the course start date. For More Informationregarding registration, please contact Kelly Boyce by phone at (800)282-6062 or (406)994-6812, or by email at kboyce@montana.edu. For questions regarding course content, contact Dr. Ron Hellings at hellings@physics.montana.edu. How to RegisterRegister Online |
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