Speaker
Description
I present a new method of teaching that blends a science fiction narrative into an intermediate
level astronomy course. “The Salvation of the Yggdrasil” is a sci-fi scenario where students must
solve a series of challenges to guide the people of an intergenerational spaceship through a
catastrophe and set them safely back on their journey to a new home amongst the stars. Each
challenge requires the students to conceptually understand and apply the astronomy and
physics concepts presented in the class, while also building proficiency in the skills of problem
solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and interdisciplinary work. Based on the principles of
Self-determination Theory, the curriculum is designed to give students opportunities to explore
their own interests in an environment that strongly instills a sense of intrinsic motivation. This
presentation focuses on the methods the class uses and initial observations and results from
the first run of the class.
| I read the instructions above | Yes |
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