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Using astronomy’s history to engage new audiences

Explore the benefits of using astronomy's history to enhance science education, engage diverse audiences, and celebrate the contributions of under-represented groups. Discover how historical objects and stories can transform our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

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Using astronomy’s history to engage new audiences

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  1. Using astronomy’s history to engage new audiences • ALISON BOYLE • Curator, Astronomy & Modern Physics • The Science Museum, London, UK

  2. The Science Museum

  3. Astronomy at the Science Museum

  4. Why history? Delivering the benefits of history for science education (Matthews, 1994) • better comprehension of scientific concepts and methods • connection between conceptual development in individuals / historical development of science • cultural value • understanding the nature of science • counteracting scientism and dogmatism • humanising science • demonstrating connections within science and with other disciplines Sobral eclipse photograph, 1919

  5. Historical approach • Other advantages • Trends • Context • Critical view of science Orrery showing planets to Neptune, 1850s Pluto bumper sticker, 2006

  6. Historical approach • Science • For science engagement • Interdisciplinary • Support science curriculum School groups: a major audience

  7. Why objects? • Using objects to deliver benefits • The ‘real thing’ • Roles of makers and users • Show tentative nature of science • Can help celebrate contribution of women / under-represented groups • Objects used collectively Star map by Harumi Shibukawa, 1677

  8. Key messages • Astronomy is common to many different cultures • We have always used astronomy in our everyday lives • Astronomy has changed our understanding of our place in the Universe Jai Singh II and the Jaipur Observatory, c1724

  9. Possible stories to tell • Changing lives • Measuring time and the seasons; navigation; astronomy and belief; education and recreation • Changing worldviews • Seeing farther in space and time; earth’s place in space; no longer an island universe; the rise of astrophysics • Astronomy always changing Ptolemaic worldview from Margarita Philosophica, 1535

  10. Target audience • History of astronomy works particularly well for • School groups aged 11-16 (lots of curriculum links) • Families with children aged 12+ • Independent adults • Could target particular audience groups depending on content • Marker against which to make decisions about content and delivery, and to evaluate success Will they like it?

  11. Learning outcomes Cognitive Acquire new knowledge or accommodate it into existing schemas; reinforce prior knowledge or set it in context; apply existing knowledge; draw analogies With reference to the National Curriculum (science, history, citizenship) for the schools audience Affective Challenge beliefs, attitudes and values; increase understanding and empathy with others’ viewpoints With particular reference to the process of science, and its social and cultural context Social Develop skills of co-operation, communication, helping others to learn, developing social capital Especially intergenerational dialogue in family groups Developing skills Investigation, observation, classification, assessing evidence, drawing conclusions With particular reference to historical objects Personal Increase self-confidence, inspire interest, curiosity, awe and wonder, motivate to investigate further Especially in science, its history and the Museum’s collections

  12. Watch this space… • Series of products • Delivery in 2008-9 • Case studies, with wide range of historical, geographical and cultural references • Exhibition • Events – tours, object-handling, Dana Centre • Web (www.sciencemuseum.org.uk, www.ingenious.org.uk) Islamic astrolabe, c. 1150

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