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Using Astronomy as a Vehicle for Science Education

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2013

Case Rijsdijk
Case Rijsdijk*
Affiliation:
South African Astronomical Observatory, PO Box 9, Observatory, 7935, South Africa; case@saao.ac.za
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Abstract

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Recent history in South Africa has created unique problems in many areas. As a result of an unequal educational structure, particularly in science, there is a general lack of science literacy and awareness. Some years ago the South African Astronomical Observatory started a Science Education Initiative as a contribution to addressing this problem by using astronomy as a vehicle to stimulate an interest in science amongst teachers and students. This programme was given a boost by the South African government in 1998 and the construction of the Southern African Large Telescope will provide further stimulus to the Science Education Initiative.

Keywords

astronomy education
Type
Research Article
Information
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , 2000 , pp. 156 - 161
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Australia 2000

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