In this paper, we present a physical modeling activity whose objective is to allow students to determine the differences between a disk and a sphere using pure scientific criteria. Thereunto, we reproduce the Sun-Earth-Moon system with low-cost materials and compare the illumination effects on the Moon considering two possible shapes for it (a…

Details of the London pilot of the "Discovery Project" are presented, where university-based astronomers were given the chance to pass on some real and applied knowledge of astronomy to a group of selected secondary school pupils. It was aimed at students in Key Stage 3 of their education, allowing them to be involved in real…

This paper describes the formation of a circumzenithal arc for the purpose of teaching light and optics. A circumzenithal arc, an optic formation rarely witnessed by people, is formed in this study using a water-filled cylindrical glass illuminated by sunlight. Sunlight refracted at the top and side surfaces of the glass of water is dispersed into…

Since 2017 the Italian Space Agency (ASI) participates to so-called 'Alternanza Scuola-Lavoro' (i.e. 'school-work synergy') outreach projects promoted by the Italian government, and the ASI Space Science Data Center (SSDC) actively contributes to them, with the primary aim of bringing students closer to space-related activities before choosing…

This article explains the significance of a transit of Venus and relates scientists' efforts at making precise observations of transits over the past 250 years.

Suggests activities that could be incorporated into a study and actual viewing of a total solar eclipse, including student involvement in real research projects. Lists related websites. (Author/WRM)

A research astronomer outlines a typical day's work, describes the conventional route to become a research scientist, and discusses the kind of research done and some areas of expertise needed to accomplish the research (reading skills, computing, photography, electronics, cyrogenics, literary skills, verbal skills, and detective skills) among…