Bringing the heavens closer: astronomy and astrophysics from seven up

ALEJANDRO GANGUI

Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Hands-on Science

Gráfica Vilaverdense Artes Gráficas, Portugal

Lugar: Vila Verde, Portugal; Año: 2006; p. 270 - 271

There has been recently an increased interest in tackling the frequent common misconceptions -or alternative conceptions- about astronomical notions found both in elementary school students and in their teachers. Research in many countries has shown that basic astronomical concepts like night-and-day cycle, lunar phases, meteors, seasons, etc, are by far not completely acquired by neither of the two groups. We have recently presented a series of astronomy books aimed at helping both children aged seven years and up, and their teachers, in subjects covering a wide range of topics, all introduced with carefully chosen words and images that young children can undestand.