Development of a compact all-sky camera system and construction of an astronomy/weather observation education program

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K00960
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Science education
• Research Institution: Saitama University
• Principal Investigator: Oasa Yumiko 埼玉大学, 教育学部, 准教授 (10397820)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 大浜 晶生 名古屋大学, 理学研究科, 研究員 (30758751)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 天文教育 / 地学教育 / 天体観測 / 理解度調査

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This work aims to achieve a hands-on and experiential understanding of astronomy which is often considered difficult for observation and experimentation. To this end, we have developed cost-effective, compact, and high-performance all-sky camera systems, weather observation instruments, and educational materials for astronomy and meteorology. Despite the significant challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on practical application and educational activities, we have successfully developed content that can be utilized in primary and secondary education astronomy and meteorology classes through the internet and ICT devices.
Additionally, a survey and detailed analysis of understanding and interest in astronomy indicated that observational experiences and hands-on learning utilizing telescopes and studying "earth science （basic）" in high school significantly enhance both knowledge and comprehension.

Free Research Field

天文学、天文教育

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

星空は，花や虫，動物等とともに、日ごろ目にする身近な自然の一つであり，児童や生徒、ひいては一般市民にとって，宇宙・天文分野への興味・関心は高い。しかし，天文分野について、必ずしも学習内容の理解度が高いとは言えない。これは，学校現場で天文分野の観察・実験があまり実施されていないことが一因である。
本研究は、天文分野の理解度や知識の定着が、実際の星空観望・観測体験と相関があるかの詳細な調査分析を行なうとともに、実感を伴った理解を促すための教材やシステムを作るものである。