- Docente: Stefano Marchesi
- Credits: 6
- SSD: FIS/05
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Teaching and Communication of Natural Sciences (cod. 5704)
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from Sep 30, 2024 to Dec 12, 2024
Learning outcomes
The course provides the student with a basic knowledge of the evolution of (western) Astronomy and on the relevant teaching approaches. More specifically, he will be able to: a) describe the evolution of the concept of space ; b) connect this evolution and the development of research and instrumentation; c) describe the historical evolution of the description of the Universe (or "World").
Course contents
- Observed motion of the sky.
- Astronomical Calendars and time measurement.
- Earth dimensions: the measure of the position on Earth.
- Beyond the Earth: the World systems, Ptolemy and Kopernik.
- Quantifying the unmeasurable: the "infinite words" of Giordano Bruno, Drake's Equation.
- Astronomy and Art: the fascinating case of the Halley comet.
- Observing, measuring, cataloguing: Astronomy in the XVIII Century, from the Herschel family to Messier.
- Inventing Public Outreach in Astronomy: Galileo's "Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems", Fontanelle, Somerville.
- The birth of spectroscopy and its astrophysical implications: Newton, Herschel and the infrared light, the discovery of chemical elements.
- The discovery of galaxies, a new idea of Universe: the pivotal role of the Harvard Computers, Hubble's discoveries.
- Visit to the "Museo della Specola" in Bologna.
During the lessons, the professor will also give suggestions and present examples of ways of introducing the topics discussed during the lesson to a school audience or during a public outreach event.
A few lessons will be focused on conversations with experts in the field of public outreach, as well as with teachers or professors: the students will have the chance to hear from these experts and ask them questions about their work and on how they teach astronomy or present it to a general, non-specialistic audience.
Readings/Bibliography
The slides and additional material used in class will be made available on the online repository https://virtuale.unibo.it/. During the course of the semester, the professor will also suggest books, articles and additional material to support the individual learning process.
Teaching methods
Lessons will be taught using slides that will be made available on the online platform https://virtuale.unibo.it/. A regular blackboard will also be used, as well as multi-medial material.
Additional tools can be provided to students with disabilities, via a request through DSA.
Assessment methods
Presentation/lecture given by the student on selected argument/s. (70%). Interview and discussion (30%).
Teaching tools
Lessons will be taught using slides that will be made available on the online platform https://virtuale.unibo.it/. A regular blackboard will also be used, as well as multi-medial material.
Additional tools can be provided to students with disabilities, via a request through DSA.
Office hours
See the website of Stefano Marchesi