Innovation in Astronomy Education

This volume, based on papers presented at a Special Session of the International Astronomical Union in 2006, highlights strategies for effective teaching in astronomy.

Jay M. Pasachoff (Edited by), Rosa M. Ros (Edited by), Naomi Pasachoff (Edited by)

9780521880152, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 24 July 2008

350 pages
25.2 x 17.8 x 2.2 cm, 0.84 kg

'The papers present highly interesting accounts of work in progress or critical reviews of past efforts and form a valuable resource of astronomical education. The sectional editorials are full of wisdom and good sense. [The contributors have] provided a service for all who are working to promote and improve astronomical education.' The Observatory

Astronomy leads to an understanding of the history and nature of science, and attracts many young people to education in science and technology. But while in many countries astronomy is not part of the standard curriculum, many scientific and educational societies and government agencies have produced materials and educational resources in astronomy for all educational levels. This volume highlights the general strategies for effective teaching and introduces innovative points of view regarding methods of teaching and learning, particularly those using new technologies. Technology is used in astronomy both for obtaining observations and for teaching. The book also presents ideas for how astronomy can be connected to environmental issues and other topics of public interest. This valuable overview is based on papers and posters presented by many of the world's leading astronomy educators at a Special Session of the International Astronomical Union General Assembly in Prague in 2006.

Preface
Part I. General Strategies for Effective Teaching: Introduction
1. Main objectives of SpS2
2. Learning astronomy by doing astronomy
3. Hands-on Universe-Europe
4. Life on Earth in the atmosphere of the Sun
5. A model of teaching astronomy to pre-service teachers
6. How to teach, learn about, and enjoy astronomy
7. Clickers: a new teaching tool of exceptional promise
8. Educational opportunities in pro-am collaboration
9. Teaching history of astronomy to second-year engineering students
10. Teaching the evolution of stellar and Milky Way concepts through the ages
11. Educational efforts of the International Astronomical Union
12. Astronomy in culture
13. Light pollution: a tool for astronomy education
14. Astronomy by distance learning
15. Edible astronomy demonstrations
16. Amateur astronomers as public outreach partners
17. Does the Sun rotate around Earth or Earth rotate around the Sun?
18. Using sounds and sonifications for astronomy outreach
19. Teaching astronomy and the crisis in science education
20. Astronomy for all as part of a general education
Poster abstracts
Part II. Connecting Astronomy with the Public: Introduction
21. A status report from the Division XII working group
22. Outreach using media
23. Astronomy podcasting
24. IAU's communication strategy, hands-on science communication, and the communication of the planet definition discussion
25. Getting a word in edgeways: the survival of discourse in audiovisual astronomy
26. Critical evaluation of the new Hall of Astronomy
27. Revitalizing astronomy teaching through research on student understanding
Poster abstracts
Part III. Effective Use of Instruction and Information Technology: Introduction
28. ESO's astronomy education program
29. US student astronomy research and remote observing projects
30. Global network of autonomous observatories dedicated to student research
31. Remote telescopes in education: report of an Australian study
32. Visualizing large astronomical data holdings
Poster abstracts
Part IV. Practical Issues Connected with the Implementation of the 2003 IAU Resolution: Introduction
33. Stellar evolution for students of Moscow University
34. Astronomy for everybody: An approach from the CASAO/NAUH view
35. Toward a new program in astronomy education in secondary schools in Turkey
36. Universe awareness for young children
37. Education in Egypt and Egyptian responses to eclipses
38. Astronomy in the cultural heritage of African societies
39. Education at the Pierre Auger Observatory: the cinema as a tool in science education
40. Freshman seminars: interdisciplinary engagements in astronomy
41. Astronomy for teachers
Poster abstracts
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Astronomy, space & time [PG], Educational strategies & policy [JNF], Educational psychology [JNC], Philosophy & theory of education [JNA]