New Perspectives in Science Education
Talkin’ about the Resolution
Sara Ricciardi, INAF - OAS Osservatorio di Astrofisica e Scienza dello Spazio, Bologna (Italy)
Stefania Varano, INAF - IRA Istituto di Radioastronomia, Bologna (Italy)
Alessandra Zanazzi, INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Firenze (Italy)
Abstract
How do astronomical images work? Astronomical images (and, actually, all the digital images we are used to) are representation of reality mediated by an instrument that has its own characterisation (resolution, sensitivity, etc.). We developed a series of new creative and fun educational hands-on activities to play with children aimed at communicating the science of digital images and understanding concepts like image resolution in a multidisciplinary, participative environment. The educational activities we are proposing have a learning by doing approach and use favorite children’s toys (e.g. pegs and bricks) as a research tool in order to introduce forefront science concept in a playful and inclusive environment. The use of familiar objects and ludic equipment prevents gender barriers and encourages immediate commitment and engagement of all the participants.
The project we will present is carried out in the framework of Italian National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) SKA related projects (e.g. “SKA-Genesis”, “ESKApe-HI”, “FORECaST”). SKA (Square Kilometer Array) is one of the most ambitious international science projects and so we think that for astronomers it is of crucial importance to communicate its science, starting from the fundamentals. It’ll be the world’s biggest (radio) telescope and it’ll give us insight into the major open problems: formation and evolution of the first stars and galaxies, the role of magnetism, the nature of gravity, possibility of life beyond Earth.
Keywords: Astronomy, Image Resolution, Participation, Inclusiveness, Hands-on;
References:
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