College - Author 1

College of Science and Mathematics

Department - Author 1

Physics Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BA in Physics

Date

12-2009

Primary Advisor

John Keller; College of Science and Mathematics; Physics

Abstract/Summary

This study is an extension of the research of Dr. John Keller. It attempts to identify common student misconceptions regarding the greenhouse effect and investigate instructional methods of teaching the greenhouse effect. Dr. Keller developed a test, known as the Greenhouse Effect Concept Inventory (GECI), designed to measure a student’s understanding of the greenhouse effect. A central goal of this project is to investigate the effectiveness of this concept inventory at measuring differences in student knowledge of the greenhouse effect. In addition to the Cal Poly student population that participated in this research, we will be looking at the population of students at the University of Arizona to which Dr. Keller first administered the GECI in 2006. By comparing these populations we hope to identify differences in the pre-instruction populations and speculate as to the cause of the differences in pre-instruction GECI scores, develop a better understanding of effective instructional methods, and help to increase awareness and a proper understanding of the greenhouse effect.

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