ARCturus

The astronomy teaching needs a lot of observation tools, since the theory can be best learned by making observations and explorations. Surely, the teacher, if he wants to, can strengthen the basis of the topic with explanations, pictures or videos. It is important to teach the students astronomical research practices, such as observation with the naked eye or by using binoculars and a telescope. It is useful to use this method in spite of the enormous amount of information and spectacular illustrative materials on the Internet.

In addition to using observation tools mentioned before, the students can prepare self-made simple observation tools, the materials of which are quite cheap. They will, then, simultaneously get to know in nature what they explore, even seen with the naked eye. A good example of this is the definition of the angle between the Sun and Moon seen from the Earth. Another simple and somehow ‘clever’ observation tool is a pinhole camera.

Acquiring tools for astronomical observations can be difficult. The price may be too high or there simply is no supply of suitable equipment. Firms in the sector sell basic equipment. However, the most important observational tools, e.g. a telescope and its accessories, are too expensive for many schools to acquire. Sometimes the lack of co-operation between the authorities and the school may prevent even reasonable acquisitions. (Simple observational tools are easy to prepare by using cheap or free materials.) Since the competition gets harder and the Internet provides many services, many equipment and material suppliers have seized to exist or changed their supply into digital form. However, it is important that the student learns and maintains skills of preparing self-made observation tools and making his own astronomical explorations.

In the picture, there are two self-made telescopes (picture IH, Finland).

 

www.ursa.fi/ursa/tuotteet/

The assortment in URSA’s shop includes among other things telescopes, planispheres, books and posters.

www.isvet.fi

IS-VET Oy offers tools for astronomy teaching, such a solar panel, tellurium, star map and a model of a water rocket.

www.printel.fi

Printel Oy’s assortment includes among other things a tellurium, an inflatable globe and a solar system.

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