Science Education Department

The Science Education Department (SED) conducts several programs designed to improve the teaching of precollege science, mathematics and technology, partly through the use of examples from astronomy and space science. These programs include the development of curriculum materials and standardized tests, the integration of its robotic telescopes into classroom projects, the production of films and videos, research on the effect of pre-college science courses on students’ college science success, and the training of pre-college educators. Areas of interest include the development of innovative educational technologies, scientific visualizations, and research methodologies.

RESEARCH STAFF

GOULD, Roy R., Education Analyst, SAO Education Forum. A.B. (1968) Cornell University; Ph.D. (1974) Harvard University. Research specialties: Science education; technology-based tools for science and math education; integration of contemporary science into school curricula; public understanding of science.

SADLER, Philip M., Frances W. Wright Senior Lecturer on Celestial Navigation, Harvard University; Director, Science Education Department, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. B.S. (1973) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ed.M. (1974), Ed.D. (1992) Harvard University. Research specialties: Science education; children’s scientific misconceptions; remote telescopes; curriculum development; simulation software; celestial navigation; sundials; assessment; technology education; history of science.

AFFILIATED RESEARCH STAFF

SONNERT, Gerhard, Research Associate. M.A. (1982), Dr. phil. (1986) University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; M.P.A. (1988) Harvard University. Research specialties: Sociology of science, of gender, and of education; history of science; science education.

WARD, R. Bruce, Senior Research Associate, Harvard College Observatory. B.A. (1958) Macalester College; Th.M. (1962) McCormick Seminary; Ed.M. (1982), Ed.D. (1988) Harvard University. Research specialties: Science education; school-to-work programs; integration of contemporary learning theory into science and technology education.