Should astronomy be part of school curriculum?

Question

Should astronomy be part of middle and high school curriculum?

Answer 1

It could be made as an elective class. As a high school student i would have loved the chance to take astronomy, but then again you would have to take into account the cost of such a class and who would teach it.

Answer 2

it is.

grades 3, 5, 6, 8 and in the high school classes of physics, geosciences and integrated science courses.

Why would you think its not?

Here is California's state standards - see for yourself:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents...

Answer 3

I think it should be covered as a science - it's an important branch of science about which most people don't know as much as they should.

Answer 4

It was with Plato and Aristotle, in Egypt and in Rome.  I vote absolutely.  Knowing the stars is quite humbling, and everyone can use a healthy dose of that.  Harder to play God when you peer into His heavens.

PS:  Anyone who thinks that astronomy is already a part of the curriculum should ask our students how many constellations and stars, galaxies and nebulas they know.  Learning the eight planets is just the tip of the iceberg.  Ask them to identify the features of the moon, or describe the life of a star.  Most kids don't even know how telescopes work or how to operate and maintain them.  We have much to teach them of the grander cosmic schemes.

Answer 5

Yes, and it is.  Not high school, typically, but at the middle school level kids usually encounter it.  However, I don't think it's being taught very well.  Plenty of kids can rattle off the planets (a bit confusion about Pluto, but they usually manage it) but not nearly as many can tell you the correct reason we have seasons or phases of the Moon or why the sky is blue (and since their teachers are often confused on these concepts as well, it's obvious why they aren't being taught).  There's a lot of misinformation out there about basic science, and it's not helping that so many teachers have never learned it themselves - working more of it into physical science in high school might help.

Answer 6

yes it should as an elective in older grades. thank god my school teaches it :D