ARCturus

In Finland there is no actual Master’s Programme in the university for astronomy teachers. Astronomy can be studied either in connection with the university studies of mathematics and natural sciences or by having separate studies of astronomy. The separate studies do not give professional competence to an astronomy teacher. However, the know-how gained is very valuable in the astronomy section of teaching natural sciences. The best way to train oneself in astronomy teaching is to take the opportunity to teach it whenever possible and use whatever methods available. The experience piling up gives the teacher more scope to make plans for how-to as well as optional choices and changes for his teaching.

Aim: To prepare oneself for astronomy teaching at school.

 

Studies: Astronomy can be studied as an independent subject in the university and the studies can be completed in basics, subject studies and advanced special studies. Parts of the professional diploma of astronomy can be completed as separate courses and the ECTS credits gained can be used for completing the teacher’s diploma in mathematics and natural sciences. In-service teachers can take separate courses and improve their capacity for teaching astronomical topics in physics, chemistry, biology and environmental sciences.

 

Planning the teaching: In teaching natural sciences, the astronomy is usually included in the curriculum of physics, chemistry and biology, either as an application or just as a beautiful natural aspect. In physics, however, there usually is a period for astronomy teaching, during which the students get an idea of the basic facts and construction of the universe. In environmental sciences, the topics of astronomy are usually presented as natural phenomenal wonders. If the school has extra resources for advanced special courses, it is a positive bonus since the course of astronomy is usually very popular among the students. If the teaching programme is too tight for an entire advanced course, there is an option for a few shorter lessons in which also the parents can participate.

 

Materials: The astronomy teaching does not need any expensive tools, which can be prepared by using cheap craft materials. In addition to binoculars, a telescope is the only rather expensive device needed, and even that is not absolutely necessary. Astronomy can be taught by observing with the naked eye or by using binoculars. On the Internet there are many excellent educational programmes for studying celestial objects and venturing in the universe.

 

Pondering: The acquisition of a telescope is not a must. The astronomy teaching can be of high quality by observing with the naked eye and the help of binoculars, by making use of the photo material on the Internet, provided by major telescopes. In addition to this, it is worthwhile to make excursions in the near-by observatories and science centres.

 

Discussion: It is good to exercise some pondering with the students of the observations made and measurement results gained. Although the tools are appropriate and proper, the measurements and observation can still produce false results. It should be the aim to learn to interpret the results correctly and criticize them. That is where there is a need for discussion with the students, the models and observations at hand.

 

Hints: It is worthwhile for a teacher to search information on the Internet on the current topic and the tools needed for teaching. Many astronomical organizations have made on their website an educational section which contains ready-made lesson entities as well as information on the research results and tools used in the research.

 

Keywords: Astronomy teaching, curriculum of astronomy teaching, advanced special course in astronomy, observation tools.

 

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