Astronomers Engaging with the Education Ecosystem: A Best-Evidence Synthesis

Abstract

<jats:p> Astronomers have played many roles in their engagement with the larger astronomy education ecosystem. Their activities have served both the formal and informal education communities worldwide, with levels of involvement from the occasional participant to the full-time professional. We discuss these many diverse roles, giving background, context, and perspective on their value in encouraging and improving astronomy education. This review covers the large amounts of new research on best practices for diverse learning environments. This evidence-based perspective can support astronomers in contributing to the broad astronomy education ecosystem in more productive and efficient ways and in identifying new niches and approaches for developing the science capital necessary for a science literate society and for greater involvement of underrepresented groups in the science enterprise. Current research emphasizes the importance of ▪ The formation of science ideas in children and the development of their science identity ▪ The design of professional development programs for educators ▪ Museums and other informal learning institutions and settings ▪ The use of astronomical data and immersion experiences ▪ Shifting the astronomy education paradigm using new approaches with diverse audiences </jats:p><jats:p> Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Astronomy, Volume 58 is August 18, 2020. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates. </jats:p>

Perceptions of the European Space Sector: Youth Engagement With Space Education Events

“…The key focus for space education, and public engagement in science in general, remains reaching new audiences and connecting with underserved communities (Russo et al, 2019;Pompea and Russo, 2020). Progress is being made to better support diversity, equity, and inclusion in informal learning initiatives (Brestovanský et al, 2018); from the museum sector (Ng et al, 2017;Brown et al, 2020) to citizen science (Eitzel et al, 2017;Roche et al, 2020), and the space sector should capitalise on its unique position "to stimulate science engagement with marginalized communities" (Joubert, 2019, p. 131).…”

“…Increasing resources, training, and rewards at institutional level for space professionals' public engagement efforts would help to strengthen the field of space education, while international projects and collaborations are needed for regions with less available resources (McBride et al, 2018;Entradas and Bauer, 2019;Pompea and Russo, 2020). Such initiatives can increase participation of minorities and provide mentorship to youth from underprivileged backgrounds (Lucatello and Diamond-Stanic, 2017).…”

Online Resources for Astronomy Education and Outreach

“…Science literacy is a concern throughout the industrialized world (Liu 2009), and astronomy is an important vehicle for raising levels of awareness about the contents of the universe, space, deep time, and our place in the cosmos. The IAU has been proactive in raising awareness of education and outreach, and astronomers have many ways to contribute to the new astronomy education ecosystem (Pompea & Russo 2020). This article provides a starting point for engaging in this important work.…”

Astronomy outreach in Namibia: H.E.S.S. and beyond

“…Observatories provide a perfect setting for informal education [8]. As such, several research facilities around the world offer outreach programmes, including the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, the Southern African Large Telescope in South Africa, and the Thai National Observatory [9][10][11].…”