Skolan i universum - att förklara det ofattbara
Astronomiundervisningen i skolan på 1900-talet
Astronomy teachingCurriculaInformation technologyPractical astronomyAstronomiundervisningInformationsteknologiPraktisk astronomiStyrdokument
This is a study in how astronomy has been taught and is being taught in Swedish schools from 1905 to this date with an emphasis on the latest 30 years. It concerns the regulations and methodical recommendations/curricula for Swedish junior high school/Swedish Comprehensive school for the years 1905, 1933, 1955, 1958, 1962, 1969, 1980 and 1994. The matter of integrating astronomy with other subjects and different methodical approaches is also considered. The problem with textbooks written only for one subject when the teacher tries to integrate subjects is emphasised.Physics textbook analysis shows that astronomy teaching has over the years developed, from being based on observations, to become more and more theoretical. It also shows that the amount of practical exercises has been fairly constant in physics textbooks during the seventies end eighties but now in the nineties varies a lot from textbook to textbook. The amount of liberty the textbook gives the pupil in finding knowledge and answers himself in the practical parts of astronomy was at its lowest during the seventies. It is now starting to give more and more freedom to the student, but it is not by any means near the level of freedom the pupil had during the twenties.Finally it shows how some Swedish schools are teaching astronomy in a more practical way and how a teacher can take advantage of modern information technology. Also the benefit from visiting an observatory is exemplified.