Khagol Bulletin # 135 (Jan 2025) - ENG

| 16 | KHAG L | No. 135 - JANUARY 2025 Workshop on Teaching Astronomy in State Board Schools in and around Mumbai: Train the Trainer The two-day workshop focused on student-centred learning and hands-on teaching methodologies, utilising low-cost resources easily accessible in classrooms and homes. The sessions were designed to enhance the teaching of astronomy in primary and middle school classrooms by promoting collaborative efforts among A workshop on Teaching Astronomy in State Board schools in and aroundMumbai: Train the Trainer was organised by the Sky Explorers, in collaboration with the Nehru Planetarium, Worli, Mumbai, on December 06-07, 2024, at the Nehru Planetarium. The IUCAA-funded workshop was specifically designed for science, environmental studies, geography, and mathematics teachers affiliated with Maharashtra State Board schools. Among the 65 applications received, 35 teachers were selected to participate. teachers. The sessions were held on the following themes: These sessions addressed common misconceptions surrounding eclipses and incorporated storytelling as a powerful teaching tool. The teachers were introduced to classroom design methods that cater to diverse learning styles. Myth-Busting ClassroomDesign&LearningStyles AstronomyEducationSimplified The workshop aimed to demystify astronomy concepts for teachers and students, making the subject more accessible and engaging. The key topics included: • The role of the Sun at the center of the solar system. EngagementStrategies: Teachers were provided with strategies to actively involve students and encourage themto pursue research early on. • TheMoon and its effect on Earth. • The science behind Eclipses and the myths surrounding them. The workshop aimed to inspire teachers to enjoy teaching astronomy with clarity and simplicity. By empowering educators with effective methods, it is hoped that they will foster curiosity and interest in their students about celestial bodies and the wonders of the universe. The feedback from the participants—both verbal and written—indicated that the sessions were highly appreciated andwell-received. The workshop was coordinated by Surhud More (IUCAA). Lectures on various aspects of solar astronomy were delivered by eminent speakers, including Durgesh Tripathi (IUCAA) and Nishant Singh (IUCAA), Upendra Kumar Singh Kushwaha (Univ. of Allahabad), Alok Ranjan Tiwary (J.P. University) and Priti Mishra (Patna University) which helped in integration of theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations. The workshop was coordinated by Sumita Singh (Patna University), Sanjay Kumar (Patna University) and Durgesh Tripathi (IUCAA).