It is the premise of this project that students become more interested in learning, and retain more, in courses that rely on active rather than passive teaching methods. If active learning techniques are to be incorporated into science curricula efficiently, they need to be developed and made available nationally to undergraduate institutions. The goal of required undergraduate science courses is to produce scientifically literate individuals. Cooperative learning activities can be used to strengthen the skills associated with a scientifically literate citizen. Cooperative learning within a small peer group necessitates an active effort on the part of each group member. Astronomy is often the choice of undergraduate non-science majors to satisfy a science requirement. This project is developing a variety of cooperative learning activities which can be easily incorporated into introductory astronomy courses nationally. An activities sourcebook offered nationally has the potential to impact a large number of undergraduates and to provide faculty with teaching materials.
