Shawn Laatsch

Gap in Literature - Little or no research done on the impacts of digital planetaria with undergraduates in astronomy classes, yet numerous colleges have these facilities Literature Review - Use of 2D and 3D models improve student performance in spatial cognition tasks - Models allowing for change in perspectives lead to greater understanding of basic astronomical phenomena - Traditional planetaria have improved elementary students understanding of celestial motions

Argument - Digital planetariums use dynamic visual models presenting spatial relationships - Potential in promoting students in understanding causes of astronomical phenomena - Current literature makes a strong case for using dynamic models/visualizations as part of instruction strategies - Research needed on impact on undergraduate understanding of basic astronomical concepts Purpose - Explore the impact that using a digital planetarium has on undergraduate astronomy cognition and spatial reasoning ability

Research Questions 1) How does visualization in an immersive environment (digital planetarium) impact or affect spatial learning? 2) Do visualizations of spatial relationships directly affect students’ performance on assessments regarding understanding of basic astronomical phenomena? 3) How do courses taught in the immersive environment of a digital planetarium affect students’ attitudes towards astronomy and science at the undergraduate level?

Theoretical Framework - Constructivism: Describe individual’s perspectives and experiences and how these are meaningful using a homogeneous, purposeful sampling strategy Method & Methodology - Mixed Methods - Pre and Post written (TOAST and SRA) - Recorded Interviews

Possible Findings Impacts digital planetaria have on astronomy instruction at the undergraduate level Immersive environments may prove to greatly enhance understanding of astronomical phenomena that require students to visualize spatial relationships Dynamic visual environment may play a role in positively affecting student attitudes toward astronomy and science education. Digital planetarium may have no significant impact