Comments on: Astronomy Education in America

By: Don Spain

Don Spain — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:29:41 +0000

I taught astronomy in Adult Education in the 1980s. The classes ranged from Beginning Astronomy to simple Astrophotography. The classes met 1 night a week for 6 weeks. It got to the point where enrollment was hight enough to have 3 classes each week. I limited the classes to a maximum of 12 students as I figured that was the most I could instruct comfortably. Let me say I am an amateur astronomy, no college degree. These classes were well received and in fact a lot of elementary school teachers took the class and received educational credit from the county school system.

I am now retired and am going to again teach astronomy classes in 2 different county Adult Education programs this fall. Its a shame that astronomy is just regulated to a just a few days, if that much, in the elementary and high schools. They are usually taught almost as an afterthought by teachers who are unfamiliar with the subject.

Our local astronomy club, The Louisville Astronomical Society, recently did a star party for a group of high school seniors, most who knew little about what was in the heavens. We showed them the planets and stars through the telescopes and pointed out star patterns and the mythology of the constellations. Almost none of them had any knowledge of even basic astronomy from their high school careers.

Astronomy is a beautiful science and needs far greater support than our public school systems are providing.

By: M. Schneider

M. Schneider — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:37:28 +0000

I think High School Planetariums were of use from the 1950s until the 1990s but that 40 year period has come and gone simply because Computers have become so functional…it’s the Colleges that still have those advanced courses and Planetariums now.

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:08:02 +0000

I actually teach Astronomy. It is my most popular science class! (I teach five different sciences each day.) I am so excited when we get into deep discussions about the different possibilities out there. I wish all schools would offer Astronomy because it gets kids thinking (and that is really what school is all about).

By: Donald L. McAtee

Donald L. McAtee — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:36:30 +0000

My High School didn’t have an Astronomy class; if it had I would definitely taken it! The closest it had was Physics which I did take.

All of my interest in Astronomy has come from my Dad’s enthusiasm. He even had me watch the lunar landing when I was 6 months old!

By: Richard B. Drumm

Richard B. Drumm — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:34:11 +0000

Well, I’ll do my bit! I’m presenting my “What Is Astronomy?” PowerPoint to a Brownie Troop at McCormick Observatory Friday night and then taking my scope on the road to a local elementary school for a little Mars Madness on Jan 22.

Then on Jan 25 I do the same prezo to 20 home schoolers at McCormick. I make a point of explaining the scientific method at the beginning and describing what a theory really is. So many of the uninformed dismiss evolution as “just a theory” I want to set things straight.

Then on Feb 22 I operate the 26″ Clark refractor for a Mars & Saturn extravaganza for 39 4th graders at McCormick (our club treasurer does the prezo that night).

I know what you mean when you write on astronomical ignorance in the general public. On more occasions than I’d like to remember I’ve had people see my telescope at my house and exclaim “Oh, you’re an astrologer!”
:groan:
Rich

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:12:14 +0000

I don’t think most states have computer science education certifications either. I think the best you will get is earth and space sciences education certification. At my university, known for its teacher education program, the earth and space science secondary education students must take an astronomy course. One.

My 9th grade daughter has a wonderful teacher for earth sciences who fits in some astronomy. It’s not as much as she’d like, but it’s some. I think there’s also a separate astronomy course. But the kids have seen some astronomy in elementary school as well.

As much as I love astronomy, I think it’s more important to push a solid math background as well as general science. Fitting astronomy in with earth sciences seems to work here.

But no, it’s not too much to ask that the science teachers have taken at least one course in astronomy.

Have fun in Texas.

By: Freiddie

Freiddie — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:00:45 +0000

I really wish it was there.

By: Jorge Schrauwen

Jorge Schrauwen — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:45:24 +0000

I had +- 2h of astronomy related stuff in 3th year wrapped in a general class called PAV sort of a mix of geography, math and biology.

Half of the info as wrong too and teacher got irritated about my constant corrections. I know of non astronomy oriantated course to take in uni/college over here.

(there probably is a sub-course in physics but its not promoted well)