The need for an Australian Astronomy and Space Science Education Network

Presenter(s): Paul Floyd

Session details: Saturday, 2016-03-26 02:30:00, LT106

Abstract

Astronomy & Space Science Education in Australian Prep to Year 12 schools is not preparing our students for their future employment options. The causes are multiple and can include:

• a crowded curriculum
• a lack of teacher knowledge and/or interest
• a scarcity of quality, easy to use and accessible Southern hemisphere focused astronomy resources, and
• the speed of change in astronomy, space science and technology 

When covered, the topics might be glossed over and can be covered in worst case scenarios in a superficial manner. At worst, for astronomy this could even be through the reading of a brief few pages of a Science textbook. Students will likely leave school not having experienced emotionally engaging activities such as looking at Saturn’s rings through a telescope. 

The author strongly believes that it is time to establish a dedicated Australian Astronomy & Space Science Network to address the above issues.

The presentation will briefly look at the lessons learnt from his interactions with teachers over the past 25 years through co-convening numerous astronomy education events. These have included the Brisbane Astronomical Society’s Queensland Astronomy Education Conference and activities undertaken through his ongoing employment as a classroom teacher. The insights gained will hopefully inspire you to contribute to the establishment of an Australian Astronomy & Space Science Network.

Note that the opinions expressed in this presentation will be that of the author and do not reflect the opinion of his employer.

Biography

Paul would describe himself best as a passionate amateur astronomer with 25 years experience (as at 2015) in running a range of education and public astronomy outreach activities. He is currently a primary school teacher with an active interest (and experience) in the teaching of science and technology in Primary schools. This includes the use of the Australian Academy of Science’s Primary Connections units. He trained as a ‘Primary Connections Facilitator’ with the Australian Academy of Science in October 2010. Where possible, he provides astronomy experiences for the school students he works with (such as organising star nights or daytime visits in a planetarium).

Prior to beginning work as as a school teacher in 2002, he ran his own education business plus worked as an environmental education and outdoor education instructor on a casual basis with a range of organisations. He has two separate degrees – one in recreation management in planning and a second in primary teaching.