Dr. Joshua Tan (CUNY LaGuardia) and I created a set of astronomy labs appropriate for an introductory survey course (link requires registration) using the open-source homework took MyOpenMath. These labs incorporate interactive simulations from a variety of sources and provide randomization and algorithmic question generation, so students can work together without copying one another but still share methods freely. The labs are auto-graded via formula on the back end, and there is a lot of flexibility with the grading options.

List of Astronomy Labs

Phases of the Moon – Laboratory investigation of phases of the Moon. Uses CCNMTL Moon Phase Simulator
Solar Simulator – In this lab, you will explore a virtual simulation of the motions of the Sun at different locations on the Earth. Uses CCNMTL Motions of the Sun Simulator
Exoplanet Transit Observations – In this lab, you will explore a virtual simulation of how exoplanets are discovered using the transit method. Uses CCNMTL Exoplanet Transit Simulator
Gravity and Orbits – An investigation into how gravity affects the orbital periods using a PhET simulation. Uses PhET Gravity and Orbits Simulator
Force of Gravity – Utilizing PhET simulation of the Force of Gravity to give students understanding of this important astrophysical force. Uses PhET Force of Gravity simulator
Blackbody Spectrum – This assessment asks the investigator to make various measurements from the PhET simulation of a Blackbody Spectrum. Uses PhET Blackbody Spectrum Simulator
Getting Used to Stellarium – This will familiarize you with the controls and capabilities of the Stellarium planetarium software. Uses online version of the Stellarium software

Example simulation and associated lab question in MyOpenMath

Recommended Usage

I used the labs in an online astronomy survey course, splitting students into mixed-ability or randomized pairs/trios using the Zoom breakout room option. I then circulated through the breakout rooms, providing guidance as needed and skipping to rooms requesting immediate help. I could monitor progress of the class as a whole from the “Gradebook” link from the MyOpenMath course page and focus on those falling behind or having difficulty with the material.

I used the simulation-based labs in combination with two interactive texts: Learning Astronomy by Doing Astronomy (which I abbreviate LADA) and Lecture Tutorials in Introductory Astronomy. I have adapted activities from these texts into the MyOpenMath Astronomy Laboratory Templates class as well, though note these labs are not randomized.

Set Up

To make your own course in MyOpenMath using the Astronomy Laboratory Template class,  request an instructor account (you will be asked for proof you are an instructor). Once you are in the MyOpenMath system as an instructor, select “add a new course” from the left hand menu, choosing the option to “copy from my or a colleague’s course” using course ID 82532. Your course will then contain all the astronomy template labs, and you can add and delete content from your copy of the template class as desired. Students can then enroll in your course by registering and entering your new course ID.