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Teaching and activities outside the classroom are an essential part of the astronomy teaching. Celestial phenomena and objects in the night sky can be observed in nature with the naked eye or by using binoculars or a telescope. The astrophotography, as well as seeing special and sudden events and phenomena, is only possible outdoors. For instance, meteors, halos, colourful phenomena of the sky, the Northern lights and satellites, are examples of them.
In addition to the observation activities outdoors near the school, the teacher can take the class to an excursion at a planetarium, exhibitions or public events. If the financial resources permit, the teacher can make plans for a prolonged excursion to a domestic observatory or science centre or a place to visit even abroad. The planning takes time and should be made in good co-operation with the parents and the school personnel. There is some homework to be done in advance: the class should get to know the places of visit with the help of the Internet and literature. The students, working in teams, prepare informative presentations on the visit place for the entire class. This will give the students a pre-journey impression on the visit place.
The local observatory is definitely worth visiting regularly, even within a limited time resource. An exhibition or a model of a planetarium can also be asked for free introduction at school. The model can be introduced by either an expert of the institution that lends the model or a skilled teacher. If needed, the institutions also train teachers to use the model in their teaching.
The picture shows an observatory of the Central school in Järvenpää from within. Up in the middle, on the stable pilar, there is a Celestron telescope. The observatory also has a rotating conical dome (picture IH, Finland).
Ursa Astronomical Association allows the schools an option to take students to a visit its office and the Kaivopuisto observatory. Ursa also arranges public shows in the observatory. During them it is possible to observe both the dark sky and the Sun.
URSA lends a portable planetarium to the schools for star presentations. It also trains presenters for the planetarium.
URSA lends portable astronomical exhibitions, e.g. a mini model of the solar system, to the schools on ‘free on loan’ terms.
www.ursa.fi/ursa/koulupalvelu/
URSA serves the schools and childrens’ daycare by offering information and materials on astronomy for their educational purposes. They can also borrow books, slide series and a telescope.
The observatory of Helsinki was established in the renovated facilities of the faculty of science in the University of Helsinki. The opening ceremony was held on October 23, 2012. The observatory is open for both schools and public.
The Finnish Science Centre Heureka is a very suitable place to visit with the students. In addition to the stationary exhibitions, the themes of other exhibitions change. Theater Verne shows video presentations of astronomical themes.
In addition to the observatory in Helsinki, many other cities and localities have an observatory of their own, too. They are maintained and supported by private owners or an organization. They are available, upon agreement, for students to visit.
The amusement park Särkänniemi in Tampere is an excellent place for the students to visit. There are myriad activities as well as information on astronomy available for visitors.
The radio observatory Metsähovi in Kirkkonummi welcomes visitors upon agreement. It suits best for students on upper grades.
The Tuorla observatory in Turku is a place worth visiting for teachers and upper grade students. Also younger students are welcome upon agreement to get to know the institute.
Kallioplanetaario in Jyväskylä is an excellent place for childrens’ expedition. In addition to a planetarium, there are myriad things to see and experience for visitors at any age.
Söderfjärden i Vaasa introduces itself as an activity centre with the most beautiful impact crater on the area. There is also an observatory, bird tower and exhibition of the local history on the centre area, too.
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