ARCturus

This section introduces information packages and websites of single astronomical topics. Since the supply is abundant, it is sometimes difficult to choose the best.

Astronomy is taught at school according mainly to the curriculum of either physics or geography. Some schools also arrange separate advanced courses. In these cases, the only aim is to teach basics on astronomical topics in order to give the student a more precise worldview of the universe. However, in all teaching there is a need to dig deeper, i.e. make a more detailed acquaintance of the topic. It can be carried out in many ways: independent studies, working as a team with one research topic or working in groups with a larger research; each member having a slice of his own to explore.

The aim in all these methods is to produce the results of a more detailed research to the knowledge of the class or even the whole school. If the presentation and exhibition of the material is well-done, the results can also be used as an excellent teaching material for the grades in the future.

Below, there is a list of interesting selections of advanced topics (one example of each in brackets):

- preparing an observation tool (the path of the Sun during various seasons and on various latitudes)

- preparing a special device (moon rover)

- exploring a natural phenomenon during a long-term follow-up (the phases of the Moon)

- planning and preparing a major mini model project (the Solar System in scale in the

classroom)

- follow-up of the most recent astronomical findings (the Internet, Hubble)

The decision on what topic should be chosen is dependent on two things: the interest and skills of the students as well as the resources of the school (enough time and good enough equipment).

Below, the result of an ambitious project is introduced to the public.

The picture introduces a scale model of a moon rover in Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris (picture IH, Finland).

 

 

 

---