Teaching and Learning Astronomy: Effective Strategies for Educators Worldwide

by Edited by Jay Pasachoff , John Percy

• ISBN13: 9780521115391
• ISBN10: 0521115396
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-07-02
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

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 world-wide. This valuable overview is based on papers and posters presented by experts at a Special Session of the International Astronomical Union.

Table of Contents

Preface

Astronomy in the Curriculum Around the World: Preface

Why astronomy is useful and should be included in the school curriculum

Astronomy and mathematics education

Astronomy in the curriculum around the world

Engaging gifted science students through astronomy

Poster highlights: astronomy in the curriculum around the world

Astronomy Education Research: Preface

Astronomy education research down under

A contemporary review of K-16 astronomy education research

Implementing astronomy education research Leonarda Fucili

The Astronomy Education Review: report on a new journal

Poster highlights: astronomy education research

Educating Students: Preface

Textbooks for K-12 astronomy

Distance/internet astronomy education

Educating students with robotic telescopes - open discussion

Poster highlights - educating students

Educating teachers: Preface

Pre-service astronomy education of teachers

In-service education of teachers

Poster highlights: educating teachers

Astronomy and Pseudoscience: Preface

Astronomy, pseudoscience and rational thinking

Astronomical pseudosciences in North America

Astronomy and Culture: Preface

Teaching astronomy in other cultures: archeoastronomy

Poster highlights: astronomy and culture

Astronomy in Developing Countries: Preface

Astronomy Curriculum for developing countries

Science education resources for the developing countries

Public Outreach in Astronomy: Preface

What makes informal education programs successful?

The role of science centers and planetariums

Science education for the new century - a European perspective

Communicating astronomy to the public

Poster highlights: public outreach in astronomy

The Education Programs of the IAU: Preface

A short overview of astronomical education carried out by the IAU

Discussion

Index

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