ARCturus

The year 2009 was an International Year of Astronomy. During that year, many events and activities were arranged all over the world, such as the Worldwide Astronomical Conference, the IAU XXVII General Assembly, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As in the past, the astronomy researchers introduced their newest findings. There was also a new topic on the agenda: astronomy teaching at school. The presentations were carried out either orally on the stage or as poster exhibitions in the hall.

Aim: To meet researchers of astronomy and get to know the latest astronomical findings. To meet teachers of astronomy and get acquainted with the teaching methods of astronomy.

Implementation: The amount of sub-topics in the conference was piling up to many tens. That is why the participants were divided into smaller units according to the sections, lectures and presentations which they had signed up for. As mentioned, the astronomy teaching was a new topic. Each performer had 15 minutes. Keeping the performance shorter than that was strictly controlled and no exceeding of the time limit was allowed.

Performance: The files of the presentations had to be given to the organizers two days before the presentation. This was to ensure that the presentations were performed according to the program order and that every presentation had the correct text and pictures reflected on the wall. When listening to the presentations it was easy to realize the benefits of a swift way to move on. Fifteen minutes is quite enough time to get a big picture of the topic explored and the results gained.

Feedback: In spite of a short 15-minute presentation, the audience was given an option for a short discussion or some comments and questions at the end of every presentation. However, there was no option for a more profound review. The audience was encouraged, instead, to have discussions in the hall after the presentation.

Pondering: As in Finland, the astronomy teaching elsewhere seemed also to be in pieces: single topics without any connection between them. Therefore, the Finnish participants suggested that the main stream of the teaching should proceed hand in hand with the process by which the structural world view of the students develops. This suggestion aroused positive attention, and it was even more valued when the chairman expressed his support to it. There seemed to be a consensus on the need for this kind of an astronomy teaching and instructions for how-to.

Posters: Hundreds of folding partitions were erected in the great hall. Posters, attractive and imaginary, introducing all topics of astronomy and the conference, were fixed on both sides of the partitions. At times previously announced, those who had made the posters were ready to introduce them and answer questions posed by the audience.

Hints: The general astronomical assembly, arranged every third year, is a distinguished event with all possible information on astronomy and the newest findings available. Participation is worthwhile.

Keywords: IAU, Astronomical General Assembly, Year of Astronomy.

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