2010 programme

The New Generation of School-based Planetaria: their Impact on Student Astronomical Concepts

Neville Fraser

Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group

Toongabbie East PS has had a ‘home made’ computer controlled planetarium since late 2006.
A small school planetarium comprises the hardware, software and physical dome structure. A 4.8m cardboard geodesic dome was initially made by students and has now been replaced with a purpose-built 5.0m fibreglass dome.
The planetarium has facilitated the learning of required astronomical concepts from the NSW primary syllabus. It has also had a social impact on aboriginal students and provided an awareness of the role of astronomy in our past, present and future. Anecdotal evidence shows that awareness and knowledge are increased in areas of science, mathematics and history/sociology. The presentation considers some of the specific learning outcomes and how much better student retention and understanding of them is with access to the planetarium.
Teaching staff at Toongabbie East write material specifically for the planetarium and comment favourably on it as a resource.
Use of the planetarium has now spread to the neighbouring community and other schools, indicating its value and viability.
Alternative paths to a planetarium are possible with different choices in hardware/software and component subassemblies. Substantially less than $10,000 can result in an educationally viable resource.

Attachment	Size
Presentation (18.8MB ZIP)	18.78 MB