Informed by astronomy education research, the Sixth Edition reflects an emphasis on learning by doing. This emphasis is reinforced through thoughtful pedagogy and an innovative teaching and learning package. Students get to interact with astronomy while instructors receive the resources they need to incorporate active learning into the classroom.

Stacy Palen knows that introductory astronomy may be the only science course some students take in their college careers, so it's their best chance to develop scientific literacy. Education research shows that the best way to attain scientific literacy is through active learning. Understanding Our Universe, Fourth Edition makes it easier for instructors to help students understand the concepts and learn to value science by providing activities that can be used before, during and after class. By expanding her pedagogy to include What If scenarios and What an Astronomer Sees figure captions, Stacy helps students build scientific literacy and to think critically about science in the media.

Influenced by astronomy education research, 21st Century Astronomy offers a complete pedagogical and media package that facilitates learning by doing, while the new one-column design makes the Fifth Edition the most accessible introductory text available today.

Comprehensive and authoritative, 21st Century Astronomy fosters scientific literacy by offering carefully crafted activities that help students apply the process of science to astronomy, the news and the world. The 21st Century learning package provides the most up-to-date astronomy research, engaging students as they prepare for lecture, perform in-class activities and complete meaningful homework assignments-both in person and online. Lead author Stacy Palen draws on her experience teaching at an open enrollment university to build intentionality and transparency into every aspect of the learning package, giving activities a clear purpose and making them easy to execute without special equipment. Norton's service supports every instructor, every step of the way.

Influenced by astronomy education research, 21st Century Astronomy offers a complete pedagogical and media package that facilitates learning by doing, while the new one-column design makes the Fifth Edition the most accessible introductory text available today.

Comprehensive and authoritative, 21st Century Astronomy fosters scientific literacy by offering carefully crafted activities that help students apply the process of science to astronomy, the news, and the world. The 21st Century learning package provides the most up-to-date astronomy research, engaging students as they prepare for lecture, perform in-class activities, and complete meaningful homework assignments—both in person and online. Lead author Stacy Palen draws on her experience teaching at an open enrollment university to build intentionality and transparency into every aspect of the learning package, giving activities a clear purpose and making them easy to execute without special equipment. Norton’s service supports every instructor, every step of the way.

Comprehensive and authoritative, 21st Century Astronomy fosters scientific literacy by offering carefully crafted activities that help students apply the process of science to astronomy, the news, and the world. The 21st Century learning package provides the most up-to-date astronomy research, engaging students as they prepare for lecture, perform in-class activities, and complete meaningful homework assignments—both in person and online. Lead author Stacy Palen draws on her experience teaching at an open enrollment university to build intentionality and transparency into every aspect of the learning package, giving activities a clear purpose and making them easy to execute without special equipment. Norton’s service supports every instructor, every step of the way.

Stacy Palen knows that introductory astronomy may be the only science course some students take in their college careers, so it's their best chance to develop scientific literacy. Education research shows that the best way to attain scientific literacy is through active learning. Understanding Our Universe, Fourth Edition makes it easier for instructors to help students understand the concepts and learn to value science by providing activities that can be used before, during, and after class. By expanding her pedagogy to include What If scenarios and What an Astronomer Sees figure captions, Stacy helps students build scientific literacy and to think critically about science in the media.