Teaching and Learning Astronomy
Effective Strategies for Educators Worldwide

This volume highlights astronomy in the curriculum, and addresses how the teaching and learning of astronomy can be improved worldwide.

Jay Pasachoff (Edited by), John Percy (Edited by)

9780521115391, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 2 July 2009

284 pages, 69 b/w illus.
24.4 x 17 x 1.5 cm, 0.45 kg

'The papers presented 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 is taught in schools worldwide, but few schoolteachers have any background in astronomy or astronomy teaching, and available resources may be insufficient or non-existent. This volume highlights the many places for astronomy in the curriculum; relevant education research and 'best practice'; strategies for pre-service and in-service teacher education; the use of the Internet and other technologies; and the role that planetariums, observatories, science centres, and organisations of professional and amateur astronomers can play. The special needs of developing countries, and other under-resourced areas are also highlighted. The book concludes by addressing how the teaching and learning of astronomy can be improved worldwide. This valuable overview is based on papers and posters presented by experts at a Special Session of the International Astronomical Union.

Preface
Part I. Astronomy in the Curriculum Around the World: Preface
1. Why astronomy is useful and should be included in the school curriculum John R. Percy
2. Astronomy and mathematics education Rosa M. Ros
3. Astronomy in the curriculum around the world
4. Engaging gifted science students through astronomy Robert Hollow
5. Poster highlights: astronomy in the curriculum around the world
Part II. Astronomy Education Research: Preface
6. Astronomy education research down under John M. Broadfoot and Ian S. Ginns
7. A contemporary review of K-16 astronomy education research Janelle M. Bailey and Timothy F. Slater
8. Implementing astronomy education research Leonarda Fucili
9. The Astronomy Education Review: report on a new journal Sidney C. Wolff and Andrew Fraknoi
10. Poster highlights: astronomy education research
Part III. Educating Students: Preface
11. Textbooks for K-12 astronomy Jay M. Pasachoff
12. Distance/internet astronomy education David H. McKinnon
13. Educating students with robotic telescopes - open discussion
14. Poster highlights - educating students
Part IV. Educating teachers: Preface
15. Pre-service astronomy education of teachers Mary Kay Hemenway
16. In-service education of teachers Michèle Gerbaldi
17. Poster highlights: educating teachers
Part V. Astronomy and Pseudoscience: Preface
18. Astronomy, pseudoscience and rational thinking Jayant V. Narlikar
19. Astronomical pseudosciences in North America John R. Percy and Jay M. Pasachoff
Part VI. Astronomy and Culture: Preface
20. Teaching astronomy in other cultures: archeoastronomy Julieta Fierro
21. Poster highlights: astronomy and culture
Part VII. Astronomy in Developing Countries: Preface
22. Astronomy Curriculum for developing countries Case Rijsdijk
23. Science education resources for the developing countries James C. White II
Part VIII. Public Outreach in Astronomy: Preface
24. What makes informal education programs successful? Nahide Craig and Isabel Hawkins
25. The role of science centers and planetariums Nick Lomb
26. Science education for the new century - a European perspective Claus Madsen
27. Communicating astronomy to the public Charles Blue
28. Poster highlights: public outreach in astronomy
Part IX. The Education Programs of the IAU: Preface
29. A short overview of astronomical education carried out by the IAU Syuzo Isobe
Part X. Discussion
Index.

Subject Areas: Astronomy, space & time [PG]