ARCturus

Astronomy is not an actual school subject in the curriculum of the schools. However, astronomical topics are included in many other subjects. The share of astronomy is largest in the contents of physics and geography. In addition to that, topics of astronomy may also be included in the contents of subjects such as: mathematics, arts, history and chemistry. The quality and the quantity of astronomy teaching depend strongly on the interest and education of the teacher.

Aim: To be prepared to teach astronomy in several contexts at school.

 

Circumstances at schools: The content of physics includes a major teaching period of astronomy. Astronomy is taught also in geography but the approach is somewhat different compared with the content of physics. Also other subjects deal with occasional issues of astronomy, but how and how much, depends completely on how keen the teacher is in dealing with these topics. In some schools it is possible to study astronomy as an optional course. Schools can also have an astronomical club in cases where there is an eager leader available.

 

Financing: The leader of an astronomical club, for instance, will be paid by the parents’ association of the school or some other organization supporting the school. The costs of an optional course are financed through the budget of the school. Since the resources are scarce, many schools have reduced the amount of optional subjects. Astronomy has been among the first of the courses to be dropped.

 

Materials: Teaching astronomy does not necessarily need expensive equipment. A telescope is almost the only large costly purchase, and even that is not a necessity. Binoculars and self-made tools for observation are more than enough. Materials are cheap and there are plenty of them in every school. Computers and free space programs are a valuable contribution to the exploration of the wonders of space. Every school is equipped with these types of means.

 

Pondering: Decisions on the acquisition of observation tools are the most important choices to be made. What do we need?  What kind of equipment do we have enough of already?

 

Feedback: The most rewarding feedback to the teacher is to notice how enthusiastic the students are when they plan mini models of a space rockets, space village or satellites or to hear them tell about celestial phenomena they have observed. These moments are keen to produce fruitful discussions during which the teacher can discreetly guide their way of thinking, and at the same time identify possible misunderstandings and correct them.

 

Hints: In discussion, if there is even a small opportunity to do so, it is worthwhile to bring up an astronomical perspective.  It can be a natural part of discussions and ponderings which hopefully will bear fruit in the future.

 

Keywords: Curriculum, teaching of physics, teaching of geography, astronomical club.

 

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