Enhancing Primary Science Education Through Interactive Astronomy Concept Diagrams

Title: 
Enhancing Primary Science Education Through Interactive Astronomy Concept Diagrams

Presenter:
Ilham Bouisaghouane (Leiden Observatory, Leiden University; Centre for Applied Education Research, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences)

Collaborators:
J. Holt (Centre for Applied Education Research, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences; Netherlands Research School for Astronomy (NOVA); Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy, University of Amsterdam)
B. Bredeweg (Centre for Applied Education Research, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences; Informatics Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam)
P. Russo (Leiden Observatory, Leiden University)

This was a poster presented at the 4th Shaw-IAU Workshop on Astronomy for Education, organised by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE, http//astro4edu.org).

Astronomy concepts are abstract, students find it challenging to create the mental picture to fully comprehend them. Research has shown that didactical approaches based on hands-on – minds-on learning, support learners in the understanding of physical concepts. In close collaboration with The Dutch Black Hole Consortium we created lessons using smart education techniques inspired by their researchtopics. The goal of these lessons is to stimulate reasoning skills by the use of computer-based interactive diagrams during practical astronomy oriented lessons. We will introduce our interactive concept diagrams supported by hands-on practices. We will argue their benefits in primary education classes to help increase student involvement and develop adequate concept learning in the sciences.

About the 5th Shaw-IAU Workshop on Astronomy for Education:
This year’s Shaw-IAU Workshop on Astronomy for Education focuses on two themes: one special practical astronomy education topic and one scientific topic. The special topic is astronomy education outside the classroom, looking at how astronomy can be taught in a diverse range of environments such as science centers, planetaria and youth clubs. The scientific topic is planetary atmospheres, both in the solar system and exoplanets as well as our own Earth. The workshop was organised by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (http://astro4edu.org). More details can be found on: https://astro4edu.org/shaw-iau/5th-shaw-iau-workshop/schedule/

Keep up to date with future Shaw-IAU Workshops and other opportunities at the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education by joining our mailing list https://astro4edu.org/mailing-list/

Follow the IAU OAE on X and Facebook under @astro4edu