An overview of the research done by the Conceptual Astronomy and Physics Education Research (CAPER) Team is presented.
CAPER conducts rigorous educational research into student understanding and learning difficulties in the areas of astronomy,
astrobiology, physics, planetary science, and earth & space science. The results of this research are used to inform the
development, evaluation and dissemination of innovative instructional interventions and public outreach activities that
promote learners’ intellectual engagement through collaborative learning strategies. Additional targeted areas of effort
include conducting systematic evaluation of educational projects, exhibits and programs, providing professional
development programs for elementary and secondary science teachers, conducting teaching excellence workshops for
university faculty, and partnering with museums and science centers to effectively bring science to the general public. Work
is primarily supported by the US National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and the US Department of Education
