Teaching tools > History of science > Overview: A Year to Celebrate Astronomy

Description:

Star Witness news story: A Year to Celebrate Astronomy explains that 2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's observations of the heavens with his telescope. To celebrate Galileo's achievement, the United Nations has declared 2009 the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). The goal of the worldwide celebration is to enhance interest in astronomy and science through the theme of "The Universe, Yours to Discover."

Format(s) available: Printer-friendly web page

Grades: 5-8, but the material can be adapted for use in other grades at the teacher’s discretion

Teachers can use Star Witness news: A Year to Celebrate Astronomy as:

• A content reading selection. Teachers should discuss the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary prior to having students read this selection.

• An engagement activity. Have students read the selection. Ask them to explain what they know about Galileo.

• An inquiry tool. Propose a question, such as "Why do you think the United Nations chose 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy?” Have students read the selection and write down questions they want answered as a result of the reading.

• A source of information for class discussion. Have students read the selection. Conduct a class discussion using the questions associated with the reading.

Related materials

Telescopes From the Ground Up: Explore the history of telescopes, from Galileo to NASA's Great Observatories.

Teaching tools > History of science > Overview: A Year to Celebrate Astronomy