AstroEDU, IAU open-access platform for peer-reviewed Educational Activities

Livia Giacomini 1,2 , Edward Gomez 2,3 , Giulio Mazzolo 2

  • 1 INAF
  • 2 AstroEDU
  • 3 Las Cumbres Observatory

Abstract

AstroEDU is an open-access platform for peer-reviewed science education activities. Founded in 2013 by Pedro Russo and Edward Gomez, AstroEDU is a free access website (https://astroedu.iau.org) supported by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), where educators can find a selection of high-quality science education activities on astronomy, Earth, and space science.
A simple web search for astronomy education activities will yield many results. Yet, their quality, relevance, and newness are often unclear. AstroEDU seeks to address this disparity between quality and quantity of astronomy education activities through the process of peer-review. Each activity is reviewed from a professional educator and professional scientist, to ensure accuracy from both the educational and scientific perspectives.
To date, astroEDU has 2 language editions (English and Italian), each with its own editor in chief and editorial board, with a total of more than 80 activities that have been selected and published.
However, the growth of astroEDU is crucial to further support educators and outreach professionals. With this talk, we encourage the broad community to join our mission by creating new activities and helping with their revision and diffusion.

What is astroEDU?

AstroEDU is an open-access platform for peer-reviewed science education activities. Founded in 2013 by Pedro Russo and Edward Gomez, AstroEDU is a free access website supported by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), where educators can find a selection of high-quality science education activities on astronomy, Earth, and space science. Starting from 2022, astroEDU has been undergoing some major updates, implementing many changes in its’ editorial process and adopting new technologies in order to publish more activities and more versions of the site in different languages.

To date, astroEDU has 2 language editions (English and Italian), each with its own editor in chief and editorial board, with a number of  activities that have been selected and published.

Astronomy for a better world!

In AstroEDU educators can find a selection of high-quality education activities on Astronomy and Astrophysics. But of course also related to Earth, to space exploration, to science, poetry, music, art...and much more.  What AstroEDU wants to do is use astronomy and its fascination as an excuse to talk together about our life, about our planet, about science, technology, culture and much more.

Low cost activities

Most of AstroEDU activities are low cost, made with materials that you can find at home or at very low cost. In this activity, we show you how to build a spectroscope with a recycled CD and explain how to use it to study light!

Science for all ages

AstroEDU activities are for all ages and school orders. Younger kids can play with plasticine, learning how to build a model of the Sun with its different layers and start understanding how our star works.

Join AstroEDU!

Why AstroEDU? A simple web search for astronomy or science education activities will yield many results. Yet, their quality, relevance, and newness are often unclear. AstroEDU seeks to address this problem through the process of peer-review. Each activity is reviewed from a professional educator and professional scientist, to ensure accuracy from both the educational and scientific perspectives. 

The growth of astroEDU is crucial to support educators and outreach professionals. Join us by creating new activities and helping with their revision and diffusion.

Visit https://astroedu.iau.org