Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of illustrations
- Preface
- Introduction
- Part I Astronomy in the curriculum around the world
- Part II Astronomy education research
- Part III Educating students
- Part IV Educating teachers
- Part V Astronomy and pseudoscience
- Part VI Astronomy and culture
- Part VII Astronomy in developing countries
- Part VIII Public outreach in astronomy
- Introduction
- 17 What makes informal education programs successful? (Total Solar Eclipse 2001 – live from Africa)
- 18 The role of science centers and planetariums
- 19 Science education for the new century – a European perspective
- 20 Communicating astronomy to the public
- Poster highlights
- Part IX The education programs of the International Astronomical Union
- Part X Conclusions
- Author index
- Subject index
18 - The role of science centers and planetariums
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 May 2010
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of illustrations
- Preface
- Introduction
- Part I Astronomy in the curriculum around the world
- Part II Astronomy education research
- Part III Educating students
- Part IV Educating teachers
- Part V Astronomy and pseudoscience
- Part VI Astronomy and culture
- Part VII Astronomy in developing countries
- Part VIII Public outreach in astronomy
- Introduction
- 17 What makes informal education programs successful? (Total Solar Eclipse 2001 – live from Africa)
- 18 The role of science centers and planetariums
- 19 Science education for the new century – a European perspective
- 20 Communicating astronomy to the public
- Poster highlights
- Part IX The education programs of the International Astronomical Union
- Part X Conclusions
- Author index
- Subject index
Summary
Abstract: The school curriculum in many countries includes astronomical topics such as the seasons, phases of the moon, planets, and stars. Yet teachers at all school levels generally do not know much astronomy and have difficulty teaching that part of the curriculum. Even if they have some knowledge of the subject, they may not have the resources to illustrate it and to create enthusiasm in their students. One solution is to take them to a place specializing in astronomy education - a suitable science center or museum or planetarium or public observatory.
What are science centers and planetariums?
Science centers and planetariums are places that are dedicated to illustrating and explaining astronomical concepts. There are different types of institutions, though some have elements of more than one:
Science centers have interactive or “hands-on” exhibits. They cover a variety of scientific subjects that in some cases include astronomy.
Planetariums project star fields and astronomical images on a curved dome above an audience.
Museums have objects and displays. Like science centers, they cover a variety of subjects; in some cases they include astronomy.
Public observatories have telescopes that are available to the public.
Why take students to a science center or planetarium?
Teachers take their students to science centers, planetariums, or similar places for a variety of reasons:
Instruction: students can be instructed by someone knowledgeable about astronomy.
Stimulation: students will be stimulated by the exhibits, the show and the ambience.
Enjoyment: students will enjoy the experience.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Teaching and Learning AstronomyEffective Strategies for Educators Worldwide, pp. 221 - 226Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2005