Astronomy Teaching Advice Sought

Hi all, just have a question. Next Spring I have been asked to teach an amateur astronomy night course in Mayo my home county. It will last for 10 weeks and approx 90 mins per night I think. I gladly took the offer as i love teaching the subject. I do it regularly at our club meetings (although much shorter presentations) but I know I am up for the challenge.

At the moment I am trying to get around the idea of what format the talks should come under per night, I suppose Earth, Moon, Planets, Galaxy, Telescopes etc. I am just wondering if anyone else has done anyting similiar in teaching and what type of format did they use and what type of classroom practical activities could they organise.

Does anyone recommend The Universe at Your Fingertips from the ASP www.astrosociety.org/education/astro/astropubs/universe.html

Ronan Newman
Galway Astronomy Clubl

Hi Ronan

One of the lads from Kerry AStronomy club has just started teaching a beginners astronomy course. He might be able to help you. I will pm name and number

Dermot Rafter has been doing this for a number of years very successfully in a number of schools in Dublin.

His course whilst very informative was always very entertaining.

He might be of some use to you if you pm him.

Hi Ronan,

Dermot Rafter started giving night classes in astronomy while he was a member of the South Dublin AS and developed an excellent set of teaching aids and course work. I believe he is still doing this now that he is living in Co. Waterford. He set up the Slaney Side Astronomy Club when he moved down there. Dermot is well worth talking to and I’m sure he’d help you out or point you in the right direction. His contact details are probably on the IFAS website somewhere.

Philip.