Physics in a Space Science Context: Learning Sequences to Teach Electromagnetic Waves and Fields

Space science is a compelling context for teaching specific disciplinary content, such as physics. Numerous international studies have demonstrated that while differences in socioeconomic status, race, and gender are strong predictors of interest in biology, chemistry, and physics, many of these discrepancies often all but disappear for space science. Further, a major meta-analysis of 33 countries—including both industrialized and developing states—found that “the possibility of life outside Earth” is among the most interesting scientific themes for boys and girls equally.