Abstract
This study investigated the effects of a self-instructional curricular unit on the development of advanced concepts in astronomy. All Talent Pool students and other interested students in grades five through eight were provided with a series of interest development activities in astronomy. Follow-up discussions and interest assessment procedures identified ten students who expressed a desire to pursue further training in this content area. Students were provided with binoculars, telescopes, and a self-instructional unit that would allow them to carry out their work at home during the evening hours. Parent participation and involvement were encouraged. A questionnaire and astronomy skills assessment scale were administered at the beginning and the conclusion of each student's observational and data-gathering activities. Results indicated moderate to considerable amounts of growth in most of the specific skills that were targeted in the self-instructional unit. Increased interest in astronomy was expressed by most of the students and one-half of the group elected to pursue their own advanced level investigations in astronomical research. Parent evaluations were extremely positive, and even those students who did not elect to pursue advanced research expressed favorable attitudes about the experience including increased self-confidence, and the development of positive study skills.
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