Astronomy in schools

Abstract

There are, and probably always have been, teachers who are also enthusiasts of Astronomy, and have not failed, by hook or by crook, to pass some knowledge on to their pupils. In Malta, practically all of them have been ploughing lonely furrows; they have not made their work known and they have received scant recognition, if any. This long essay is meant to serve as a guiding handbook to these educators. Based as much as possible on a realistic and objective appraisal of the local educational situation, it seeks to cover all the issues involved in the merger of Astronomy and School. This is done by laying emphasis on four general fields: (1) :History -- the astronomical context is laid out and case studies of the present state of affairs provided. ( 2) : Content -- concrete suggestions for both practical and theoretical astronomical work; also for equipment, contacts & projects. (3):Methodology -- the form and method of the teaching activity, together with underlying aims, teaching aids and adaptation to the situation, whether as integration in the curriculum or as an extra-curricular task. (4):Psychology - an analysis of the normally disregarded behaviour patterns and the light they shed on the needs and growth of the group.