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Nebiyu Mohammed – Ethiopian Space Science Society
Astronomy which is the study of the cosmos continues to change our understanding of the universe. Space education is very crucial for sustainable space development as young students are the next generation of astronauts, scientists, and engineers. Studying Astronomy’s multidisciplinary functions leads students’ fascination and curiosity to revive interest in STEM. Although Astronomy education should be started as early as possible in high school, it is not integrated into the formal science curriculum in high schools in Africa. However, some of them have planned to incorporate astronomy as one course in high school studies after considering its significance for development. The course must be given with highly cost-effective methods, such that some astronomical tools can be made with homemade materials. The lack of experienced teachers and astronomical instruments will be compensated by favorable conditions of less light pollution and unobstructed clear sky. This future class program is designed to provide a non-technical overview of basic astronomy topics with creative space activities. The general lesson plan of it has to be basic and must apply and link with STEM. The curriculum outline design for the high school level is intended to be given from grades 9 to 12. In 9th grade, students should be thought about an introduction to astronomy and the universe. Then in the 10th grade, solar system should be dealt with. For the 11th grade, properties and evolution of stars should be given. In grade 12, students should cover galaxies and cosmology, and life in the universe.