Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Observations of the sky are very popular activities of astronomy education and communication, reaching thousands of people all over the world. In these activities, guides (professional and amateur astronomers, educators and science communicators) show the sky to all types of audiences. These informal observations are many times the first contact people have with astronomy and the astronomy community, but there is a lack of research systematically analysing them. In response, a study to characterize observation of the sky was conducted. Data were collected in different institutions and from different events in Portugal. Observations with the public were recorded with minimal disturbance for the participants. In total, 15 hours of video and audio recordings were analysed using ethnomethodological conversation analysis, a naturalistic approach that is sensitive to interactional practices that occur in these activities. The detailed study of real-events of observation of the sky with the public provided evidence about the structure and content of these activities, the role of participants and the way observations unfold, moment-by-moment. In this talk I will focus on the interactions involving families and groups and reflect on the role these activities can have as family and community learning practices.

About Joana B. V. Marques

Joana Marques is an education researcher specialized in informal education of astronomy. She holds a degree in Physics, and a Master and PhD in Science and Mathematics Education. Her studies focus on the practices of informal education and public engagement with astronomy, including observations of the sky, planetarium sessions and museum visits, to understand the methods and strategies used by guides and public in the production of these activities. She has a wide experience working in museums, planetariums and other informal science education institutions, including the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra. Joana is also a member of PLOAD - the Portuguese Language Office of Astronomy for Development.