Tips for teaching intro astronomy
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<br>First and foremost: this may be the only science class some of these people ever take, so think carefully about what you want them to get out of the class.  

<br><li> How do you want to change them?  What do you want them to 
remember 
20 years from now (even if they don't specifically remember that they learned it in this class).  Always keep this in mind when making lesson plans

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<br>Make lesson plans

<br><li> A complete, formal lesson plan includes goals for the unit 
(usual a 
chapter from the text), the most important ideas, a brief outline of the lecture material, notes on potential problems, topics covered in lab/discussion and homework, and what details will come from the book only.
<br><li>If you don't do a formal, complete lesson plan, at least write 
down the items from the unit you want to change them, the items they need 
to understand future units, and the items you 
want them to know for the exam.  If the only thing you have is items you 
want them to know for the exam, consider dropping the unit.

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<br>Be aware of student expectations

<br><li> Many students take astronomy thinking they will learn things 
like 
the names of constellations, mythologies, or how to read a sundial.  

<br><li>Many students take astronomy because they are afraid of taking a 
"hard science" class like physics or chemistry, or they think astronomy will have less math.

<br><li> Be up front with them about the topics covered and the necessity 
of 
using math as well as fundamental physics, chemistry, and possibly geology and biology.  

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<br>Don't repeat the book

<br><li> The book is expensive.  If you're just going to repeat it, don't 
make them buy it.  Instead, cover the material from a different angle, 
point out connections students are likely to miss in the reading, address 
common misconceptions, and use active learning techniques to engage the 
students and increase their level of understanding.  Let the book fill in 
details like numbers or specific features.  Don't add extra details unless 
it's to tie things together or involves a discovery too recent for the 
book

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<br>Be aware of deadlines

<br><li>Know when the last day of drop-add is and be prepared for 
students who add the class on that day. 
<br><li> Make sure there is enough 
evaluated work or sample of the exam so students can assess whether or not they should drop before that day.

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