International Year of Astronomy 2009 – An opportunity to promote science

Abstract

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 celebrates a crucial moment in the history of science: the first astronomical observations through a telescope, carried out by Galileo Galilei in 1609. The invention of the telescope was the starting point of what turned out to be a sequence of astonishing astronomical discoveries. At present we can assert that astronomy is a topic of attraction for youngsters at all ages, so that calling their attention to astronomy we should be able to draw their interest in science and explain a set of basic physics concepts. In this endeavor, mathematics and physics teachers of this association can play a very significant role. In my presentation I describe our plans to be carried out in our country and I also demonstrate some possible practical activities to be carried out by secondary and middle school teachers.