Innovation in Astronomy Education

Description

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.

Jay M. Pasachoff is Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy at Williams College, and was President of the Commission on Education and Development of the International Astronomical Union. Rosa M. Ros is Professor of Technical University of Catalonia in Barcelona and Vice-President of the International Astronomical Union's Commission on Education and Development. Naomi Pasachoff is a Research Associate at Williams College and an author of science textbooks and biographies of scientists.

Reviews from Teaching and Learning Astronomy by Jay M. Pasachoff and John R. Percy: 'What makes this book special is the care that has gone into articulating why astronomy education is important and why it is necessary to better train and support preservice and in-service science teachers. This book is a must-have for anyone working to add astronomy to any curriculum or to persuade funders to invest in science education ... it is a book that will give the experienced astronomy educator some novel activities, new resource lists, and well-argued reasons to introduce astronomy to as many minds as possible.' Astronomy Education Review 'The editors are enthusiastic and prolific writers and this book is a well presented collection of papers, posters and discussions highlighting the importance of astronomy in national curricula from primary to tertiary level. [This is] an in-depth, well argued and persuasive text which I would hope could be essential reading for any with a remit in science education and particularly curriculum advisers and policy makers in national education. For others this is a reassuring read, seeing that internationally the importance of astronomy education is being realised.' Astronomy Now '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