Resources for Teaching Astronomy
By Andrew Fraknoi
These may be a bit old – but not necessarily outdated.
This highly selective list of astronomy books for adults from the 1980s and 90s is designed to provide teachers or visiting astronomers with
resources for their own reading.
©Copyright 1993, Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Permission to reproduce for non-commercial use is hereby granted.
Books on Teaching Astronomy
Astronomical Society of the Pacific:
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Astronomy.
1985 (available for a donation of $4.00 – could
be more now). A 30-page collection of articles
and reading lists on the connections between
astronomy and science fiction, poetry, music,
etc.
Coyle, Hl, et al. Project STAR: The Universe in
Your Hands. 1993, Kendall Hunt. A high school
level text full of hands-on activities. Has an
extensive teacher’s guide.
Gibson, B. The Astronomer’s Sourcebook. 1992,
Woodbine House. A guide to astronomy
equipment, publications, organizations, sites, etc.
Lusis, A. Astronomy and Astronautics: An
Enthusiast’s Guide to Books and Periodicals.
1986, Facts on File. A librarian’s guide to 968
books and magazines in astronomy and space
science.
Makower, J., ed. The Air and Space Catalog: The
Complete Sourcebook to Everything in the
Universe. 1989, Tilden/Random House. Lists of
hundreds of places to get information and
teaching aids.
Pasachoff, J. and Percy, J. The Teaching of
Astronomy. 1990, Cambridge U. Press.
Proceedings of an international conference on
astronomy education.
Saul, W. & Newman, A. Science Fare: An
Illustrated Guide and Catalog of Toys, Books,
and Activities for Kids. 1986, Harper & Row.
Resources for school teachers in many areas.
Sneider, C. et al. eds. Planetarium Activities for
Student Success. 1990-93, Lawrence Hall of
Science, University of California, Berkeley. A
series of 12 extremely useful booklets on
astronomy teaching and learning, aimed at
planetariums, but valuable for every teacher
(especially for the fine activities).
Selected Articles on Teaching Ideas,
Techniques and Resources
Bishop, J. “United States Astronomy Education:
Past, Present, and Future” in Science Education,
vol. 61, no. 3, 1977.
Bruning, D. “Astronomy in the Classroom: Building
Astronomy’s Future” in Astronomy, Sep. 1993, p.
40. Nice article on current educational projects
at the K-12 level, including Project ASTRO.
Carter, C. “Sources for Space Science Projects” in
Science Books and Films, Jan/Feb. 1990, p. 148.
Clark, G. “Starting an Astronomy Club” in
Astronomy, Oct. 1981, p. 52.
Cole, S. “Astronomy in our Schools” in Astronomy,
Sep. 1988, p. 36.
Coyle, H. “Astronomy Texts from Abell to Zeilik”
in Sky & Telescope, Nov. 1987, p. 487.
Fraknoi, A. “Science Fiction Stories with Good
Astronomy” in Mercury, Jan/Feb. 1990, p. 26.
Fraknoi, A. “A Subject Index to Astronomy
Articles in Scientific American” in Mercury,
Sep/Oct. 1987, p. 155.
Fraknoi, A. “A Subject Index to Mercury
Magazine (1977-1986)” in Mercury, Nov/Dec.
1986, p. 181.
Hamilton, P. “Tomorrow’s Astronomers” in Sky &
Telescope, Feb. 1990, p. 203. (Long letter on the
role of amateurs in education.)
Lockwood, J. “Latching on to the Whirlwind: The
Changing Face of Astronomy Education” in
Mercury, Mar/Apr. 1993, p. 56.
Sagan, C. “Why We Need to Understand Science”
in Mercury, Mar/Apr. 1993, p. 52.
Readings on Using Computers in
Astronomy Education
1. Evaluating Existing Software
Dyer, A. “A Sampler of New [Astronomy]
Software” in Astronomy, Apr. 1991, p. 92.
Kanipe, J. et al. “Personal Planetariums: The Night
Sky on Your Computer” in Astronomy, Mar. 1988,
p. 36.
Mosley, J. “Exploring the Sky on Computer” in Sky
& Telescope, June 1990, p. 650. (Update in the
March 1992 issue, p. 318).
Mosley, J. “The CD-Rom Comes of Age” in Sky &
Telescope, July 1992, p. 77.
Mosley, J. & Fraknoi, A. “Computer Software for
Astronomy” in Mercury, Sep/Oct 1986, p. 34.
Sneider, C. & DeVore, E. “Halley’s Comet and
Beyond: Astronomy Software for the Classroom”
in Classroom Computer Learning, Jan. 1986, p.
34.
Trivette, D. “Stargazer’s Delight: six Programs
for Astronomy Hobbyists” in PC Magazine, July
1993, p. 546.
Vogt, G., et al. Software for Aerospace Education,
2nd ed. 1989, NASA. This paperbound
publications, NASA number PED=106, can be
obtained from NASA Teacher Resource Centers
or Education Offices.
Note: Regular reviews of astronomical software appear in
Astronomy and Sky & Telescope magazines, together with advertising
that can tell you the lasts versions and publishers’ addresses.
2. Doing Programing, Image Processing,
Astronomical Calculations – may be too outdated
Berry, R. Introduction to Astronomical Image
Processing. 1991, Willmann-Bell. A primer, with
software, on analyzing and processing images.
Burgess, E. Celestial Basic. 1982, Sybex. 26
programs on astronomy, written in BASIC
language, for those who like to program.
Duffett-Smith, P. Astronomy with Your Personal
Computer, 2nd ed. 1990, Cambridge U. press. A
somewhat more advanced book of programs and
programing hints.
Greenberg, R. “Scanning the Images of Science” in
Science Teacher, Nov. 1992, p. 14. On using
image processing software in the classroom.
Lawrence, J. Introduction to BASIC Astronomy
with a PC. 1989, Willmann-Bell. Comes with a
diskette to save you the trouble of typing in the
programs it discusses and explains.
Montenbruck, O. & Pfleger, T. Astronomy on the
Personal Computer. 1989, Springer Verlag. A
somewhat more advanced book.
Sinnott, R. “Tracking Satellites on Your Home
Computer” in Sky & Telescope, May, 1986, p. 501.
Wooley, J. Voyages through Space and Time.
1992, Wadsworth. A college lab manual
(adaptable to high school level in many places
(based on the use of the Voyager software
package for the Mac.
Readings on Student Reasoning Ability and
Teaching Theory Related to Astronomy
Atkin, J. “Teaching Concepts of Modern
Astronomy to Elementary-school Children” in
Science Education, vol. 45, p. 54 (1961).
Gunstone R. & White, R. “Understanding Gravity”
in Science Education, vol. 65, no. 3, p. 291 (1982).
Klein, C. “Children’s Concepts of the Earth and the
Sun: A Cross-Cultural Study” in Science
Education, vol. 65, no. 1, p. 95 (1982).
Lightman, A. & Sadler, P. “The Earth is Round?
Who are You Kidding?” in Science & Children,
Feb. 1988, p. 24.
Nussbaum, J. & Novak, J. “Children’s Conceptions
of the Earth as a Cosmic Body” in Science
Education, vol. 63, no. 1, p. 83, (1979).
Philips, W. “Earth Science Misconceptions” in
Science Teacher, Feb. 1991, p. 21.
Schatz, D. & Lawson, A. “Effective Astronomy
Teaching: Intellectual Development and Its
Implications” in Mercury, July 1976, p. 6.
Sneider, C. & Pulos, S. “Children’s Cosmographies:
Understanding the Earth’s Shape and Gravity” in
Science Education, vol. 67, no. 2, p. 205 (1983).
Sneider, C., et al. “Understanding the Earth’s
Shape and Gravity” in Learning, vol. 14, no. 6, p.
43, Feb. 1986.
Wall, C. “A Review of Research Related to
Astronomy Education” in School Science and
Mathematics, vol. 73, no. 8, p. 653.
Astronomy Magazines and Newsletters
Abrams Planetarium Sky Calendar, published by
Abrams Planetarium, Michigan State University,
East Lansing, MI 48824. A monthly sheet listing
sky events for each day and giving a monthly star
map; also comes with membership in the
Astronomical Society of the Pacific.
Astronomy, published by Kalmback Publishing, P.O.
Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187. A colorful
monthly magazine for astronomy beginners and
hobbyists.
Astronomy Now, a British astronomy magazine,
published by IntraHouse, 193 Uxbridge Rd.,
London, W12 9RA, England. Edited by prolific
amateur astronomer Patrick Moore.
Earth in Space, published by the American
Geophysical Union, 200 Florida Ave., NW,
Washington, DC, 20009. Newsletter for
teachers of earth science.
Griffith Observer, published by the Griffith
Observatory, 2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los
Angeles, CA 90027. Small monthly magazine
with emphasis on astronomical history and
culture.
Mercury, published by the Astronomical Society of
the Pacific, 390 Ashton Ave., San Francisco, CA
94112. Bimonthly magazine with nontechnical
articles, teaching resources, history, and new
photographs.
NASA Education Horizons, published by NASA
Education Division, Code FEP, Room 2-J34, 100 E.
St., SW, Washington, DC 20546. For amateur
astronomers and serious astronomy buffs.
Sky & Telescope, published by Sky Publishing, P.O.
Box 9111, Belmont MA 02178. For amateur
astronomers and serious astronomy buffs.
Odyssey, the only astronomy magazine for
children, published by Cobblestone Publishing, 30
Grove St. Petersborough, NH 03458.
Planetary Report, published by the Planetary
Society, 65 N. Catalina, Pasadena, CA 91106.
Colorful magazine covering the planets and the
search for life elsewhere.
Stardate, published by the McDonald observatory,
RLM Building, University of Texas Austin, TX
78712. Bimonthly magazine with short articles
and observing notes.
Universe in the Classroom Newsletter, published
by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific; see
address under Mercury above. Newsletter on
teaching astronomy in grades 3-12, free to
teachers who write in on school stationery.
Note: Astronomy articles are, also, found regularly in such
science magazines as Discover, National Geographic, and
Science News, and such space-related magazines as Ad Astra
Air & space, and space news.
Sources of Slides and Videotapes
Hopefully, on DVD now.
American Association of Physics Teachers, 5112
Berwyn Rd., College Park, MD 20740
301.345.4200. Their catalog features videos and
slide sets for the teaching of physics, including a
few astronomy ones.
Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 390 Ashton
Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112. 415.337.1100.
Send for illustrated catalog, featuring slide sets
with detailed caption/information booklets, and
many videos from a variety of sources.
Coast Telecourses, 11460 Warner Ave., Fountain
Valley, CA 92708. 714.241.6109. Distributes the
“Project Universe” videos.
Coronet Video, 108 Wilmont Rd., Deerfield, IL
60015. 800.621.2131. Commercial video
distributor, handles some NOVA episodes and
other science films. Very expensive.
Finley-Holiday Films, P.O. Box 619, Whittier, CA
90601. 213.945.3325. Makes a number of slide
sets and many videos, mainly from NASA images.
Quality varies.
Hansen Planetarium, Publications Dept., 1845 South
300 West, #A, Salt Lake City, UT 84115.
800.321.2369. Slide sets on various astronomical
subjects; distributes sets from Scotland’s
Armagh Planetarium in the U.S.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Education Outreach, MS
CS-530, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA
91109. 818.354.6916. Makes images available
from planetary exploration missions which are
controlled from there.
Lunar and Planetary Institute, Order Dept., 3303
NASA Road One, Houston, TX 77058.
713.488.5200. Has a series of slide sets on solar
system topics.
MMI Corporation, P.O. Box 19907, Baltimore, MD
21211. 301.366.1222. Distributes slides from a
variety of sources; higher prices than the nonprofit organizations.
NASA CORE, Lorain County JVS 15181 Route 58
South, Oberlin, OH 44704. 216.775.1050, ext.
293. A central place to purchase NASA films on
video, although teachers may be bewildered by
the number of offerings, some of which are
great and others completely useless for
teaching.
National Optical Astronomy Observatories, Attn:
Public Information Office, P.O. Box 26732,
Tucson, AZ 85726. 602.325.9204. Images from
Kitt Peak, Cerro Tololo, and the National Solar
Observatory.
PBS Video, 1320 Braddock Pl., Alexandria, VA
22314. 800.424.7963. Distributes PBS TV
program video tapes to schools.
The Planetary Society, 65 N. Catalina Ave.,
Pasadena, CA 91106. 818.793.1722. Has slide
sets and videos on planetary exploration; very
good prices.
Science Graphics, P.O. Box 7516, Bend, OR 97708.
503.389.5652. Small company run by former
planetarium director Richard Norton; provides a
wide variety of educational slides.
Tersch Enterprises, P.O. Box 1059, Colorado
Springs, CO 80901. 303.597.3603. Small private
company producing slide sets for amateur
astronomers and schools.
Time-Life Films, 1450 E. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA
23280. 800.621.7026. Major commercial
distributor of educational videos. Very
expensive.
Note on Rental of Videos:
A number of university Media services and commercial firms also rent
videos for classroom use. Check with larger universities in your area or
contact:
Indiana University Audio-Visual Center, Bloomington, IN 47405-5901.
800.522.8620 (In Indiana, 800.942.0481)
University of California Extension Media Center, 2176 Shattuck Ave.,
Berkeley, CA 94704. 415.642.0406.
University of Minnesota Film and Video, Suite 108, 1313 Fifth St. SE,
Minneapolis, MN 55414 800.847.8251 (in Minnesota, 800.542.0013)
Sources of Audiotapes
(hopefully, they’ve upgraded)
Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 390 Ashton
Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112. 415.337.1100.
Send for illustrated catalog, featuring a variety
of tapes, including guided tours of the night sky.
National Public Radio Cassettes, 2025 M St., NW,
Washington, DC 20036. 800.253.0808. Markets
tapes from NPR shows; has programs by Carl
Sagan and other well-known scientists.
Sources of Videodisks
(hopefully, they’ve upgraded)
Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 390 Ashton
Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112. 415.337.1100.
Send for illustrated catalog, which includes a
small selection of laser disks.
Encyclopedia Brittanica Educational Corp. 31 S.
Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL. 800.421.4585. Has
several astronomy disks for grades 1-12.
Optical Data Corporation, P.O. Box 97, Florham
Park, NJ 07932. 800.524.2481; 201.377.002.
Has large selection of astronomy and space
disks, for home and school markets.
Smithsonian Institution Press, P.O. Box 4866,
Hamden Station, Baltimore, MD 21211. Markets
the National Air and Space Museum Archival
Video disk series.
Voyager Company, 1351 Pacific Coast Highway,
Santa Monica, CA 90401. 800.146.2001; in
California, 800.443.2001. Markets a variety of
laser disks and is planning more astronomy
offerings.
Sources of Posters, Charts, Maps, etc.
Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 390 Ashton
Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112. 415.337.1100.
Send for illustrated catalog, which offers a
variety of posters and charts.
Hansen Planetarium, Publications Dept., 1845 South
300 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115.
800.321.2369. Sells and distributes posters
from many observatories and charts they
produce.
National Geographic Society, P.O. Box 2806,
Washing, DC. 20036. 800.638.4077. Has maps
and charts for classroom use.
The Planetary Society, 65 N. Catalina Ave.,
Pasadena, Ca 9106. 818.793.1722. Has posters on
planetary exploration.
Sky Publishing, P.O. Box 9111, Belmont, MA 02178.
617.864.7360. Has a catalog of charts, atlases,
large photographic prints, maps, etc.
U.S. Geological Survey, Earth Science Information
Center, 507 National Center, Reston, VA 22092.
703648.6892. USGS produces detailed maps of
the planets in our solar system; ask for a catalog
of planetary maps.
U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent
of Documents, Washington, DC 20402.
202.783.3238. Distributes a wide variety of
inexpensive NASA posters and charts. The
problem is, you need to know the catalog number
of the items you want; but you can often find out
the number from the local NASA center near
you (and many centers even have extra copies of
some posters to give away to teachers.)
This resource is part of Project ASTRO, a program to
enhance science education through partnerships
between teachers and astronomers. Sponsored by the
Astronomic Society of the Pacific (ASP), the project is
funded by a grant from the National Science
Foundation.
For more information or the right to reproduce this
material, write: Project ASTRO, ASP, 390 Ashton Ave.,
San Francisco, CA 94112 or call 415.337.1100;
https://www.astrosociety.org/education/k12educators/project-astro/