Printable Copy: A Private Universe

A video documentary on education research for grade 5-12 educators; 1 twenty-minute video program and guide

Now on DVD

With its famous opening scene at a Harvard graduation, this classic of education research brings into sharp focus the dilemma facing all educators: Why don’t even the brightest students truly grasp basic science concepts? This award-winning program traces the problem through interviews with Harvard graduates and their professors, as well as with a bright ninth-grader who has some confused ideas about the orbits of the planets. Equally useful for education methods classes, teacher workshops, and presentations to the public, A Private Universe is an essential resource for science and methodology teachers.

Produced by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. 1987.

ISBN: 1-57680-404-6

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A Private Universe - DVD-R: $39.95

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Individual Program Descriptions

1. A Private Universe
This video brings into sharp focus the dilemma facing all educators: Why don't even the brightest students truly grasp basic science concepts? Interviews are held with high school students and Ivy League graduates asking them to explain what causes the seasons and the phases of the moon. Even the brightest students in the class have false ideas based on enduring misconceptions that traditional instructional methods cannot overcome.