Ideas which have motivated these sites

Questions and Answers, selected from correspondence with users who have visited these sites

A short math course, attached to the "Stargazers" site.
A set of 46 lesson plans, attached to the "Stargazers" site.
A chronology of astronomy, physics and space study, attached to the "Stargazers" site.

Links related to 93 specific subjects on these sites.
Links, descriptions and keywords for 102 sections or specific parts of these collections Index of those sections.

These sites were written with several goals in mind.

First, they try to provide non-scientists with clear explanations and explicit answers about physics and astronomy, in particular in those areas that concern space, which has been my own field of work. Many web pages exist about such subjects, but they often leave the reader no wiser, and at times, more confused. Here you may find straight answers, and the material is self-contained, you need no prior knowledge.

Second, I have tried to include interesting stories and connections, many from the history of science and of technology. Science has always been closely linked to culture and society, and the historical thread provides both continuity and human interest. For non-scientists, especially ones interested in space and its exploration, this opens a window to a rich subculture of which society is barely aware.

And for students who might be getting their first look at science, as well as for their teachers, this may provide fresh material on physics, astronomy and earth sciences, with new content and added interest. Most of it is written at the high school level, though parts can be taught in middle school and others would fit undergraduate college. It is an open ended resource with extensions, links and references for the few who wish to explore at a higher level.

I am a physicist, at the end of a long career in space research, yet familiar with the history of science and with many of the links between science, technology, culture and society (personal details at stargaze/Sstern.htm). I am well aware that most recent graduates from high school lack both the understanding of science and an interest in it. Reasons vary--e.g. rigid and formal curricula, lack of trained teachers, too much memorization, too little new material--but whatever they might be, it seems high time to seek a more fruitful approach.

Teachers interested in applying these web resources in class, in particular "Stargazers," should consult the detailed note of guidance provided for them here.

This site has grown so big that you can now access its 4 main divisions separately:

I. II. III. VI. stargaze/Mintro.htm
French home page
stargaze/Fintro.htm
Italian home page (translation not complete):
stargaze/Iintro.htm

Lesson plans home page:
stargaze/Lintro.htm
Math course home page:
stargaze/Smath.htm
Questions and Answers by users (arranged by subject)
stargaze/StarFSubj.htm
"Zipped" condensed version (11.1Mb):
http://www.phy6.org/stargaze.zip

(2) The Great Magnet, the Earth, home page
earthmag/demagint.htm

This site provides a non-mathematical introduction to the magnetism of the Earth, the Sun, the planets and their environments, following a historical thread. It includes Spanish and German translations, a link to a French (on another server), guidance to teachers (including a detailed outline for use in earth sciences class), glossary, Q earthmag/Mdmagint.htm
German home page:
earthmag/Dmagint.htm
French Home Page
earthmag/demagint_fr.html
"Zipped" condensed version (3 Mb):
http://www.phy6.org/earthmag.zip


(3) The Exploration of the Earths Magnetosphere,home page
Education/Intro.html
This is a non-mathematical, self contained exposition of studies of the Earth's magnetic environment in space--my own area of interest. It too follows a historical thread and includes a Spanish translation and a French one (partially complete), a guide for teachers, glossary, timelines, a long history article (on a more technical level), an article Birth of a Radiation Belt, another "Secrets of the Polar Aurora," QSpace Physics for Poets p. 38 in the January 1997 issue of "The Physics Teacher."

Spanish home page:
Education/MIntro.html
French Home Page (partially complete)
Education/FIntro.html
"Zipped" condensed version (9 Mb):
http://www.phy6.org/Education.zip


(4) All Things Electric and Magnetic , overview below,
home page Electric/Eintro.htm"

A first introduction, for students and interested web users, to the development and history of "classical" electricity and magnetism, covering key concepts and applications. Mathematics is limited to simple algebra and use of sine and cosine, and history serves as guiding thread.

Sections 1-10 are suitable for the level of 8-10 grade. The exposition ends (mostly) with E http://www.phy6.org/Electric.zip


Lists of selected questions from users, with answers

In Stargazers:
stargaze/StarFAQs.htm
or stargaze/StarFSubj.htm (arranged by subject)

In The Great Magnet:
earthmag/magnQ or earthmag/mgQsubj,htm (arranged by subject)

In Exploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere: ,
Education/FAQs1.html
or Education/FAQsubj.html (arranged by subject)

If any of these is in your area of interest, please look it up. You may also copy the material the from compressed files which are provided. Comments and suggestions are welcome.