Hosted by OSOS , contributed by athzafei on 30 June 2019

Project presentation

Let's assume that an astronomical object approaches Earth. What is it ? Is it a danger for us ?

To understand the surrounding world, to develop critical and scientific mindset, to resolve complex problems, to work in a collaborative environment, to communicate efficiently … all these skills are part of the skills a student must have to be a responsible citizen in a world constantly changing (21^st century skills).

This project aims toward deeper learning in astronomy. It enables students to develop these skills. It takes place in schools and at Cité de l’espace, a science center.

The first part of the project, taking place in the school, is about introducing astronomy basics to the students and understanding the location and peculiarity of Earth in the solar system. Then, during a day at Cité de l’espace, students participate in a specific workshop and get to see pedagogical shows. During the workshop, students are introduced to scientific approach and rigor. Students are active and learn to work in small autonomous groups but also to collaborate. They carry out experiments, do observations, draw conclusions and present their results to peers. Eventually, each group work during the workshop is presented and analyzed back in the classroom.

Astro

Learning objectives

Carry out several experiment in astronomy
Use scientific and educational material
Use digital tools
Follow an experimental approach
Follow a protocol
Work in collaboration
Communicate with peers
Discover the reality of scientific work

RRI principles:

One of the key aspects of OSOS is the inclusion of RRI — Responsible Research and Innovation — principles (more information at RRI-Tools.eu). This is how this Accelerator fits into the RRI model:

Governance	Students will be able to understand the surrounding world, develop critical and scientific mindset by resolving a complex problem with the guidance of a science center. I.e.: Students can learn about astronomy and the solar system to better understand our place in the univers with the help of Cité de l'espace. An astronomy workshop will be realize at Cité de l'espace together with a visit of all the facilities. The science center will also provide a series of activities to realize in the classroom.
Public Engagement	The astronomy workshop is based on a transdisciplinary and collaborative approach. All the students share the responsability to solve a complex problems by working in small groups on different aspects of the problem and discuss together their results, getting a feedback from the science center educator and other students. I.e.: Students have to understand if an astronomical object approaching Earth can endanger life on Earth or not. They can get feedback on their work from the science center educator, teacher, other students and event scientists.
Gender Equality	The activity is established with a gender-neutral approach, it will benefit both men and women. I.e. : Students will act as scientists and discuss and discuss their results with a gender neutral approach.
Science Education	Students will use a scientific approach to solve a complex problem. They will have to develop their critical thinking and analytic mindset to find the solution of the problem. I.e.: Students will feel empowered by solving a complex problem about astronomy by themselves.
Ethics	Students will share responsibility in the project, in compliance with the research integrity and the social values of Science. The project is about reflecting on their place in the universe and if their lives can be endangered. They are more likely to act as responsible citizens. I.e.: The students will be responsible for understanding if an astronomical object can endanger their lives. They have to conduct experiments incorporating research integrity.
Open Access	Many ressources are available on line to learn about astronomy and our place in the univers.

Available partnership opportunities

Cité de l’espace (science center)	Astronomy workshop and scientific data during the visit
Observatories	Visits / Discussion with an professional astronomer
University	Discussion with scientists
Parents	Realize some experiment at home. Assist their children in the outdoor activities (experiment/ stars observation)

Resources needed

Conserning the workshop, Cité de l’espace (science center) will provide everything needed.

Solar system planets pictures
pictures of the various small bodies of the Solar System (asteroids, comets, meteorites ...)
a saucer
an ice cube made of water and some sand
crepe-paper
tape
a hair dryer
2 tennis balls.
some modeling clay.
9 sewing needles.
8 small boxes
Plaster bandage
Newsprint paper
A box ( 1,10 m x 1,10 m), twine, rulers, supports (wood or cardboard)
Computers with an internet access