PROMOTING ASTRONOMY IN GHANA THROUGH SCHOOLS VISITS AND ASTRONOMY CLUBS (PRAGSAC)
IN
COLLABORATION WITH THE GHANA SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE (GSSTI) OF THE GHANA ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION (GAEC)
PRESENTS:
OAD-OAE TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM 2023 FOR TEACHERS FROM THE SCHOOLS OF THE BLIND AND THE DEAF IN GHANA
SUMMARY:
Teaching astronomy to exceptional individuals, including the blind and the deaf, poses unique challenges, especially when they belong to under-represented groups facing various learning difficulties, such as disabilities or socioeconomic disadvantages. Currently, there is a lack of organised astronomy education programs catering to school children and teachers from schools for the blind and deaf in Ghana.
The TTP project aims to bridge this gap by conducting astronomy teacher training workshops for educators. The three-day residential training program intends to empower science teachers from schools for the blind and deaf across all 16 regions of Ghana. The objective is to furnish them with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively teach astronomy-related subjects in their curricula.
The comprehensive training will cover essential topics, including Earth, Moon, and Sun, Eclipses, Solar System, basic astronomical tools, and basic operations of the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory. The program will be divided into three sessions: the main content,
hands-on practical activities, and mini-group teaching planning demonstrations. Teaching and learning materials will be developed using locally available resources.
Furthermore, the workshop will incorporate sessions on broader astronomical concepts, insights into the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory, discussions on potential careers in astronomy, and practical guidance on night sky observations. This holistic approach aims to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for both teachers and students.
Date: 26th – 28th February 2024
Venue: Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory, Kuntunse Accra
Topics to be Covered & Activities:
Earth : Shape of the Earth Features of the Earth (continents and oceans, polar regions, equator etc) , Movement of the Earth
Moon: Earth-Moon size comparison, Earth-Moon distance, Features of the Moon, Moon phases.
Sun: Sun Earth size comparison, Earth / Moon / Sun system,
Eclipse : Demonstration of solar and lunar eclipse,
Solar System: Comparison of Planet sizes, Scale of planet distances
Telescopes : Basic Function and operations of the GRAO 32m Dish Telescope
Star Gazing / Night Sky Observation
Tour of the 32m Dish Telescope & many more
Organizing Team:
1. Albert Kuntu Forson;
NAEC, Ghana and IAU OAO Co – NOC, Ghana
Affiliations: University of Mauritius / PRAGSAC
Email: fo**********@gm***.com / ia***********@gm***.com
2. Dr. Naomi Asabre Frimpong:
Astronomer and IAU OAO NOC, Ghana
Affiliations; Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, Ghana
Email: na******@gm***.com
3. Mrs. Sarah Boamah,
Teacher and National Robotics facilitator Accra STEAM center
Affiliation; Ghana Education Service, Ghana, Korle Klottey municipal education directorate, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Coordinator.
Email: am******@gm***.com
Local Organizing Committee (LOC)
Albert Forson | Dr. Proven Emmanuel | Matthias Asare-Darko | Jemimah Kwakuyi
SPONSORED BY:
SUPORTED BY:
