Astronomy for Education in Colombia: Advancing Astronomy Education through Professional Development, Resource Access, and Curriculum Promotion

The Columbian National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC) team, as part of the global initiatives of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), aims to promote and professionalize the teaching of astronomy in Columbia providing access to good resources and promoting its inclusion in curricula. To achieve its goals, the Columbian NAEC team has developed various activities since being established in 2020, such as workshops on teaching astronomy, supporting citizen science projects, and providing training for teachers and students.

One of the most significant actions developed by the Columbian NAEC team is the support provided to the Colombian Astronomy Olympiad, a competition that serves as a trigger for learning and diagnosis regarding the incorporation of astronomy into the curriculum. Additionally, the Columbian NAEC team has collaborated with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) on the “Colombia Busca Asteroides” (Colombia Searches for Asteroids) campaign, which provides training and resources for schools interested in astronomy.

The Columbian NAEC team has also contributed to the professionalization of astronomy education through the development of courses, e.g. NASE and “Aula bajo las estrellas” (Classroom under the stars) as teacher training programs with the participation of thousands of teachers which seek to strengthen their competencies. The Columbian NAEC team has also conducted a diagnostic phase on the didactic-curricular relationships of astronomy in Colombia to identify areas for improvement.

 
The Columbian NAEC team’s efforts to promote astronomy education are of great importance, as they contribute to the development of scientific culture in the country and promote interest in STEM careers among young people.