Author Archives: astroteacher
Earth is Home, Home is Earth
Reminding ourselves of our planetary home helps create emotional attachment As astronomy educators, we frequently have learners write out their addresses in a manner to encourage them to broaden their definition of home and to see themselves as part of … Continue reading
Think Cosmically, Act Globally
Astronomy education is a great way to raise awareness of the impact of human activities on Earth systems. An early mantra of the environment movement, when ecology was entering our cultural consciousness, is “think globally, act locally.” While the phrase … Continue reading
Interpreting Change
Time and our limited perceptions frequently obscure the impermanence of the world. On a recent hike in the coastal redwoods, a solitary old growth tree stood. A short fence surrounded it, and a nearby sign announced it as an example … Continue reading
The Immediacy of Data
Scientific discoveries rarely take the fast track. The 2020 election cycle can teach us an important lesson about the nature of the scientific endeavor. Namely, how researchers rarely have the instantaneous “aha” moment when everything becomes clear and a scientific … Continue reading