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Understanding the Universe: An Inquiry Approach to Astronomy and the Nature of Scientific Research

George Greenstein

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Description for Understanding the Universe: An Inquiry Approach to Astronomy and the Nature of Scientific Research paperback. A student-active introduction to astronomy, emphasizing inquiry learning so students will clearly understand how our universe and science work. Num Pages: 658 pages, 513 b/w illus. 39 colour illus. 297 exercises. BIC Classification: PDA; PG. Category: (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 279 x 213 x 25. Weight in Grams: 1454.
A student-active introduction to astronomy, emphasizing inquiry learning so students will clearly understand our universe and the scientific method. Within-text and end-of-chapter questions check understanding of concepts and require the student to think critically through astronomy-based problems. 'Nature of Science' and 'Detectives on the Case' sections in each chapter encourage students to take on the role of a scientist and so develop an understanding of how scientific progress is made, leading students through a chain of arguments of forming and testing hypotheses, in the context of specific astronomical topics. By focusing on key topics, the student is able to develop ... Read more

Product Details

Publisher

Cambridge University Press United Kingdom

Number of pages

658

Format

Paperback

Publication date

2013

Condition

New

Weight

1450g

Number of Pages

658

Place of Publication

Cambridge, United Kingdom

ISBN

9780521145329

SKU

V9780521145329

Shipping Time

Usually ships in 7 to 11 working days

Ref

99-6

About George Greenstein

George Greenstein is the Sidney Dillon Professor of Astronomy at Amherst College, Massachusetts. He is an accomplished writer, having written one textbook, three books on science for the general public and numerous magazine articles. One of his books won both the American Institute of Physics/US Steel science-writing award and the Phi Beta Kappa Award in Science. Professor Greenstein is a ... Read more

Reviews for Understanding the Universe: An Inquiry Approach to Astronomy and the Nature of Scientific Research

'… an inquiry approach that explores the nature of scientific research sets this book apart from other textbooks. The readings and exercises are scaffolded to allow the students to build their own understanding of the big ideas in astronomy. The separation into different math levels makes it appropriate for a wide range of classes. I really liked the problem sets ... Read morethat required students to describe the logic behind their solutions.' Mary Kay Hemenway, University of Texas, Austin 'I have looked over the book and am impressed by what I see. Greenstein's new book is a compelling and powerful introduction to astronomy, laying bare the fundamentals of scientific arguments and the scientific process.' Steven Furlanetto, University of California, Los Angeles 'Understanding the Universe delivers on its promises. It is indeed inquiry based, and overtly uses astronomy as a means to explore the nature of science. We 'Astro 101' teachers often describe our efforts as attempts to show how science operates, but then fail to teach that way. We revert to what Greenstein describes as the 'shut up and learn' mode. This uniquely personal book, conventional in its structure, but unconventional in its insistence on clear and conversational explanations of core concepts, is a noble attempt to get the students to do the learning. Greenstein's text does not merely tell students about the Universe; it helps them understand the Universe.' Bruce Partridge, Haverford College, Pennsylvania 'George Greenstein has done an excellent job of clearly explaining the most important aspects of astronomy. His book brings the reader along on a journey of discovery and treats 'what we know' and 'how we know' as equally important. Exhorting students to actively participate rather than passively memorize reinforces a message that almost all instructors send. I encourage my colleagues teaching introductory astronomy to consider this book carefully.' Pauline Barmby, Western University, Ontario 'This unique text provides a superb framework for introducing students to the approaches scientists take to solving problems. By posing a variety of 'mysteries' faced by both ancient and contemporary astronomers, gathering and presenting data, searching for patterns, asking questions, posing and testing hypotheses both qualitatively and quantitatively, Greenstein introduces his readers to the tools of the detective-scientist.' Stephen Strom, National Optical Astronomy Observatory '… an introductory textbook to be used in an astronomy course for nonscience majors, and I would definitely recommend it for that purpose …' Physics Today Show Less

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Understanding the Universe: An Inquiry Approach to Astronomy and the Nature of Scientific Research

George Greenstein

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