(Some motivating reasons by William H. Waller)
In other words, how does teaching Astronomy advance the overall education of K-14 learners? This important question has many answers. Whether your classroom is indoors, outdoors, or online, you will find myriad reasons to integrate astronomical learning as part of your instructional toolbox …
- Inspirational: To be a minute part of something so huge is humbling, awesome and somehow reassuring. Astronomy is quite literally universal. We are all the stuff of stars, as connected to the Cosmos as the galaxy, solar system, and planet that spawned us.
- Accessible: All of us experience astronomical phenomena on multiple timescales – from the daily rising and setting of the Sun, to the ever-changing phases of the Moon, and the cyclic passing of the seasons. Representations of cosmic worlds are being made ever more accessible to persons with hearing, seeing, and mobility challenges. Increasing access to technology further empowers learners to engage with a panoply of data resources, enabling them to better understand the scientific content and even to carry out cutting-edge research.
- Rational: The process of astronomical inquiry involves making scientific observations and developing physical inferences (sense making), along with making mathematical models, graphing quantities, and assessing key relations.
- Narrative: The birth and evolution of the Universe – and all it contains – is the greatest story ever told! Why not become part of this ever-growing community of story tellers?
- Artistic: From sweeping views of the day and night sky to exquisite imagery of deep space objects, the subjects of Astronomy enchant one’s sensibilities and compel one’s aesthetic attentions.
- Interdisciplinary: Astronomy encompasses the fields of Planetary Science (including Earth as a planet), Heliophysics, Astrophysics, Astrochemistry, Astrobiology, Cosmology, and Cosmogony – the study of cosmic origins. Astronomy, in turn, is informed by the core sciences of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. It both depends upon and helps to advance technological innovation (see next). As an integral part of the Earth & Space sciences, Astronomy plays a prominent role in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
- Technological: The Golden Age of Astronomy is upon us, with powerful telescopes on the ground and in space sensing the Cosmos at all electromagnetic wavelengths. The advent of elementary particle and gravitational wave detectors has ushered in a new era of Multi-messenger Astronomy. The resulting deluge of data has been met with dazzling computer processing and machine learning (AI) that is revolutionizing our cosmic understandings. Closer to home, planetary orbiters, landers, and rovers are assaying their targeted environments in terms of complex chemistries and the prospects for life beyond Earth.
- International: No nation owns the sky. As the IAU proclaimed “Under One Sky” during its 2019 centenary celebration, our national allegiances become a moot point when regarding the heavens, making scientific inquiries, and collaborating on projects. Instead, all of us have the natural birthright to cooperatively explore the heavens and to represent our home planet as citizens of the Galaxy.
- Popular: More than 100 million people flock to planetariums each year. Even greater numbers of people marvel at the latest astronomical images and video presentations via a myriad of media platforms. Amateur astronomers spread the love on every continent. And then there is the allure of robotic and human space missions that continues to captivate people by the billions.
Call to Engage:
If these reasons for teaching Astronomy have wet your whistle, you can find lots more resources and opportunities for engagement at U.S. Astronomy Education Clearinghouse.
Happy Exploring!!