Published: 29th August 2025 01:00 (UTC)

From 22 to 27 July 2025, the six-day "2025 National Astronomy Knowledge and Skills Training for Science Teachers" successfully took place in Beijing and the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Co-organized by OAE Center China Nanjing, Beijing Planetarium, and the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC) Science Communication Center, among other research and science popularization institutions, the event attracted over 120 science teachers and astronomy educators from nearly 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China. The training aimed to comprehensively advance astronomy education capabilities.

The program featured diverse formats and rich content. Dr. Gang Zhao, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and researcher at NAOC, delivered an engaging opening lecture reviewing the history of astronomical observation, exploring future prospects, and detailing the OAE’s mission and global initiatives. Astronomers from top universities including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Nanjing University, and Chongqing University provided systematic instruction on fundamental astronomy concepts and cutting-edge research developments.

Hands-on training formed the core of this initiative. Educators from China West Normal University and Zhongguancun No.2 Primary School shared dynamic teaching methodologies. Science communication experts from NAOC, Beijing Normal University, and Beijing Planetarium led practical observational skill sessions, covering naked-eye stargazing techniques, telescope principles and operation, and introductory astrophotography. Participants applied newly acquired knowledge during nightly observation sessions under professional guidance, using telescopes and attempting to capture the magnificent night sky with cameras or smartphones. Additionally, visits were arranged to Beijing Planetarium and the Mingantu Observing Station in Inner Mongolia.

The teacher workshop fostered vibrant discussions. Twelve representatives from diverse regions shared their schools’ astronomy education frameworks, experiences in managing astronomy clubs, and innovative teaching cases, sparking in-depth dialogues on "best practices" and "localized innovations".

"This training not only deepened my subject knowledge but also broadened my perspectives," reflected a participating teacher from Xinjiang. "Learning about exemplary astronomy education practices from other regions has inspired fresh approaches for my classroom teaching."

By integrating theoretical instruction, innovative pedagogy, and practical application, the training established a systematic pathway for enhancing astronomy teaching competencies. As follow-up support, OAE Center China, Nanjing will collect newly designed lesson plans from participants, track implementation outcomes, and provide ongoing professional guidance.

This nationwide initiative has effectively strengthened collaboration among astronomy educators in China, significantly elevated participants’ astronomical literacy and teaching competencies, and injected new vitality into advancing astronomy education in primary and secondary schools.

         

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