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Compared with the other subjects, astronomy teaching is somewhat different. This is mostly due to its applicable nature. It can be taught in various practical circumstances, like including it in the teaching of other natural sciences, arranging an advanced special course or an astronomy club as a hobby basis.
In the new curriculum of the schools, the strongest emphasis is laid on activating methods. The students make observations independently with the naked eye, by using binoculars or a telescope. They can prepare observation tools or find and test ready-made models on the Internet.
In addition to these familiar astronomy teaching methods, the students can, with the help of the teacher or a visiting expert, produce visual information to be used for various purposes at school. Smartphones and digital cameras are apt to capture and record images. The easiest way to learn is to reject all excessive criticism and just be active and persistent. It is great fun to watch self-made video clips with the friends.
Video recording know-how is important, but what also is important is to learn astrophotography. Depending on the resources of the school, the photos can be taken on film by using a mechanical camera or they can be saved by using a digital camera. In the latter case, it is easy and effortless to make use of the photos taken. They can be saved on the computer right away, they are available for review as soon as they are taken, and unqualified photos can be deleted immediately and replaced with new and better versions. Using film for astrophotography also has some benefits. Even a less-experienced photographer can succeed in taking photos if he uses high-speed film and makes use of a cable release. The result may give an extra bonus, not noticed in the moment of photographing but only seen in the final picture: the reddish areas of the Nordic lights.
Videos, films, photos of the stars and slide presentations can be found on the pages of both space organizations and small star associations.
On the pages of NASA, there are many kinds of multimedia presentations and pictures.
The pages of URSA are constantly updated on observations of Moon, planets and comets.
On the pages of ESA (The European Space Agency), there is a collection of videos on space themes.
On the pages of ESO, the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere, there is plenty of image material of observations made by using major telescopes.
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