Integrating Space Science Education into the Formal Education System
- Paper number
IAC-14,E1,1,3,x21058
- Author
Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, Regulus SpaceTech, The Philippines
- Year
2014
- Abstract
Astronomy and space science is commonly included as part of the educational curriculum as an extra or minor subject. To date, it has not yet been included as a separate subject in the formal educational system on all various levels. In this work, we present the preliminary feedback and assessment of the Space Science Program (SSP) which is currently being pilot tested in the Philippines. The SSP is a full educational curriculum for teaching astronomy and space science to students as part of their basic education. The program is composed of five (5) different levels: one for pre-school, two for elementary and two for high school. It integrates various materials and programs such as the Universe in a Box, Galileo Teacher Training Program etc. Furthermore, the SSP utilizes various modes of teaching from back-to-basics methods to using ICT tools such as computers and Internet. Upon completion of the pilot testing, we expect the SSP to be also implemented in other schools throughout the country. We also discuss the challenges of instituting a formal astronomy and space science course and the issues that needs to be addressed for an effective and sustainable program.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)