Astronomers, educators on how stargazing can be made a simple subject in schools

Earlier this week this newspaper reported on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC initiative to create astro labs across the city These labs will be part of 100 civicrun schools to educate students about the mysteries of the universe While basic theoretical physics of planets has been a part of the syllabi these labs will educate students on aspects such as planetary movement space and matter among othersWhile the BMC is ironing out the creases to bring the plan to fruition we spoke to astronomers and educators in the city to understand how the initiative will helpstudents and what essential steps need to be taken for its successful implementationAstronomy is a teaching tool itselfAstronomy is a complete science It involves mathematics chemistry through astro chemistry and biology and zoology mdash since we are in search of new life For anyone with an interest in these subjects it becomes a fascinating study I always recommend teaching children with handson experience At the planetarium we often use observational astronomy to lead children towards mathematics During one exercise to calculate the distance between the earth and the sun the children came up with an answer that was up to 95 per cent accurate We were surprised at it since children usually avoid mathsI also suggest educators discuss concepts with students You will be surprised with the ideas they can come up with Using the elements around us to understand the solar system will improve their awareness As far as practical experiments go the simplest tool to help students is a scale model of the solar system The model enables children to put their math knowledge to practical use by calculating the size of the Sun and Earth the distances and orbits It is not just practical but also funThe subject is by itself a teaching tool No matter what fields the students pursue they will possess an aptitude for research and an objective mindArvind Paranjpye director Nehru PlanetariumInteractivity is keyAstronomy is not a field that requires a lot of investing The key is to find a teacher passionate enough about the subject Using a simple telescope and lowcost models you can design an interactive session that captures your studentsrsquo interest A fundamental knowledge of concepts such as motion of planets every day phenomena of rising and setting of the sun neversetting or neverrising stars for the location are essential learnings The subject is partly theoretical and partly observational Teachers should encourage handson learning experiences Children learn better this way and would hardly require notes Simulation tools and apps are also easily availableThe benefits of learning astronomy extend beyond career choices Over the past two decades 28 PhDs have emerged from Khagol Mandalrsquos basic courses Introducing Astronomy at a young age inculcates curiosity a passion for research and a scientific temperament in childrenDr Abhay Deshpande honorary secretary Khagol MandalOmega Centauri Pics CourtesyAjay KarnikHolistic educationThe PleiadesThe fundamentals of astronomy are essential and contribute greatly to education The simple acts of sunrise and sunset can be so interesting if taught in the right way We often ignore the role that mathematics plays in astronomy Do you ever wonder what the practical use of trigonometry is It is used to measure the distance between planets their orbits and the like Imagine if teachers could use astronomy to teach trigonometry Students will find it far more interesting and be involvedAlthough teaching astronomy without equipment is impractical a single telescope is a prudent investmentChildren can learn about space the craters on the Moon and observe the Milky Way A simple model of the planetary system can also be used to teach the sameAjay Karnik amateur astronomer and stargazer