Category: Experiential Education

In the last period, we learned how our ancient predecessors managed their lives using different types of stars, such as the Pleiades, for daily activities like agriculture and breeding. They understood different times, such as periods of plenty for their livestock, and responded to natural disasters like floods and hurricanes based on their knowledge of astronomy. Despite lacking advanced tools to study the sky in detail, their contributions led to the emergence of various scholars worldwide who furthered our understanding of the sky, discovering stars, planets, the sun, the moon, meteors, asteroids, and more.

Similarly, we learned that science is built from the careful examination of matters, not individual beliefs. Scientific understanding accumulates over time and builds on past discoveries. Ancient astronomers used stars they observed worldwide to guide their lives, much like modern scientists use scientific investigations to discover new things and enhance science education.

New discoveries are often accepted when they align with existing scientific understanding. For example, in 1676, British scientist Robert Hooke discovered that objects with friction, such as balls or springs, have more friction with greater opposing weight. This discovery remains true and has led to the development of scales used to measure various things.

Science education also helps us understand how things can change. For instance, understanding the water cycle allows scientists to predict the effects of deforestation. In the 20th century, German scientist Alfred Wegener proposed that the seven continents were once joined together (Pangaea) and later separated due to plate tectonics. Initially, scientists believed the Earth’s surface didn’t move, making Wegener’s idea controversial. However, by 1960, evidence confirmed his theory, enhancing our understanding of Earth’s geology.

Other scientists like Albert Einstein, who learned Euclidean geometry and recognized the power of reasoning, contributed significantly to scientific thought. Marie Curie, a physicist and chemist, pioneered the science of radiation, coined the term “radioactivity,” and led research on cancer treatment using radioactive isotopes. She also invented the electrometer, a device for measuring small electrical currents.

Charles Darwin, born in England, is famous for his theory of evolution, which he detailed in works like “On the Origin of Species” (1859). Darwin’s observations, including those of earthquakes and soil erosion, contributed to our understanding of natural processes and the formation of mountains. He proposed that favourable traits lead to survival and the creation of new species, and he suggested that humans descended from chimpanzees.

Sir Isaac Newton, a mathematician, physicist, chemist, and natural philosopher, is regarded as one of the greatest scientists in history. He formulated the laws of gravity and motion and invented a small telescope with the ability to see distant objects. Newton’s contributions continue to influence modern physics and mathematics.

These scientists and many others have greatly contributed to the development of powerful devices and research tools, benefiting the modern world and stemming from cultural astronomy’s foundation.

Finally, the students of Engalaoni ask the entire community, including the Maasai, to support their education. Many Maasai children lack educational opportunities because their community still values livestock over education, hindering their developmental and educational progress.

Engalaoni Primary School, nestled in the Arusha region has recently embarked on a fascinating journey into the cosmos, intertwining astronomy with the rich tapestry of Maasai culture. Spearheaded by their passionate Science teacher, Mr. Eliatosha Maleko, the students have delved into the celestial realm through the establishment of a vibrant Science Club.

In a community steeped in Maasai tradition, the students sought to unravel the age-old connections between the stars and their daily lives. From the nomadic pastoralist activities to the cultivation of staple crops like corn and beans, the celestial bodies play a pivotal role in guiding the rhythms of Maasai’s existence.

Among the twinkling stars, the Pleiades hold a special significance, with each cardinal direction bearing unique interpretations ingrained in Maasai lore. Whether heralding the birth of wild animals or signalling the time for agricultural endeavours, the stars serve as celestial guides for the Maasai people.

The students also shed light on the role of meteors in traditional practices, where the abundance of these shooting stars foretells auspicious times for farmers and herders alike. Clad in traditional Maasai attire, the students passionately shared their insights, emphasizing the interconnectedness of celestial phenomena with life on Earth.

As they marvelled at the planet’s orbit around the sun and its role as a vital source of energy, the students called upon others to join them in their quest for knowledge. Through their exploration of astronomy, they not only deepen their understanding of the cosmos but also foster a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage.

In closing, Mr. Eliatosha Maleko extends his best wishes to all who embark on this celestial journey, urging them to continue fostering cooperation and learning in their pursuit of knowledge.

Elineema Nassari, Director at MMAO, was awarded travel, lodging, and attendance of the African regional Shaw-IAU meeting hosted by the International Astronomers Union Office of Astronomy for Development on the campus of the South Africa Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa. The workshop was from November 3-5, 2023.

Elineema writes, “This was a unique opportunity to share astronomical knowledge with a variety of teachers who came from so many countries, including Botswana. Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa.as I mentioned above.

“We participated in many presentations with both in-person and virtual speakers. Teachers asked many questions, helping all of us to build an increased capacity for teaching astronomy in our respective schools. I discovered that some countries have included Astronomy in their curriculum, making it a part of the total education in their school systems. This is not yet the case in Tanzania. We have much to do to advise the government, to include Astronomy in the [national] curriculum. Upon return from South Africa to Tanzania, I immediately implemented the knowledge gained in the workshop with my fellow teachers and students as well.

Moreover, I was given an opportunity to remain at SAAO for one week more, to learn how to run an organization and observatory as well. I met with IAU-OAD and OAE staff from the Office of Astronomy for Development where I learned a great deal. Also, we discussed the development of an astro-tourism program at MMAO.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Sutherland where massive telescopes survey the Southern Hemisphere. This was my first time to see such kind of big telescope. Imagine, the largest I had used was 12 inches. And now I have spent time observing in a telescope that is more that three building stories tall! I spent nights with astronomers from, SALT, SAAO and from Japan too. This time is for me an unforgettable history.

Also, I visited the science center at Cape Town whereby I learned a very crucial thing—that MMAO can establish a science center [to engage] young children in experiential education, that is, learning by doing small experiments. This beginning experience with science, while they are still young, [initiates] the spirit of enjoying and engaging science for a lifetime.

Now I have seeds in my hands to plant in Tanzanian, with teachers and students ready to grow.

Good things are coming!

At the African Reginal SHAW-IAU workshop MMAO Director Elineema Nassari was given a Galileoscope. Elineema brought it to the Astronomy club at Makumira school, where he was a former teacher. The students assembled and used the telescope, a permanent donation to their programs.

Between 9th and 11th February 2023 at the foot of Mt. Meru in northeastern Tanzania a total of sixteen teachers participated in three days of training on an integrated approach to astronomy education in Tanzania.

A range of topics including the importance of astronomy in our daily lives, a tour of our local neighbourhood including our place in the universe, the difference between astronomy and astrology covering both faith-related and scientific aspects of astronomy, understanding the working principles of optical telescopes and other types of telescopes, an insight into what is life on planet Earth and beyond, what is composed in our solar system, the potential of harbouring life in the moons of Jupiter, how to make use of the internet in searching and composition of our solar system, the search for exoplanets and
how all these contribute to science learning and understanding by both teachers and students were covered.

This wasn’t ordinary training as previously attended by most of the participating teachers.  It benefited from the use of technology by bringing in facilitators from different parts of the world including South Africa, the United States, Tanzania and Kenya. The conference employed video conferencing to engage both facilitators and participants in a quality distance learning experience. To some of the participants mainly participating teachers, this was their first experience with distance learning with international facilitators. 

Some sessions had to start earlier than usual in the morning to accommodate speakers and co-organizer residing in different time zones, especially those in the US to not stay up all night. This by itself was a unique experience for participating teachers who have never interacted with colleagues from other time zones apart from theirs at the same time.

Interactive Q&A and discussion sessions with trainers from different parts of the world brought a new way of learning. Teachers were able to understand that it is OKAY not to know everything and it is OKAY to say that I don’t know and let’s find out the answer together. Teachers and participants also understood that it is okay to ask a colleague or even students to help explain and understand some of the things that they are not sure of.

The participating teachers learnt these and much more just by looking at how the workshop facilitators from different parts of the world were working together in responding to some of their questions, but also admitting to not knowing where they are not sure.

The teachers and participants also understood that not every question can be answered with a RIGHT or WRONG or YES or NO, but could be explained to comprehend understanding and learning. Pushing out of our comfort zone was also understood to be okay by questioning everything, even the things that we feel to understand better and take them for granted like our SUN being a start, what is LIFE and that Earth is a small point in the Universe. Understanding and responding to these questions made participants think that maybe we are not all alone in the Universe.

It is at this point, participants found that these lessons were mind-blowing and made them have more and more questions with discussions cutting across one scientific discipline to the other. It is at this point that their thirst for knowledge and to know more couldn’t be quenched in just three days of training. It is also at this point that the participating teachers were introduced to the world of the internet, where they could source information and help them quench their thirst. 

Knowing that the internet could also be a source of wrong information, participants were also trained on how to identify credible sources of information, how and why it is important to reference source of information and use it in teaching, what and how to use a search engine, how to make use keywords in searching for information and how to identify credible information from the internet and make an informed decision on what to use for teaching. To some of us these could look normal and practice, but for teachers who seldom use computers let alone the internet this was a much-needed lesson in starting to use the internet to learn more about science, astronomy and many other interesting things that they can use in their classrooms.

Of course, this training wasn’t all about sitting, participants participated in hands-on activities that helped them to engage more sensors including touching and feeling. To some participants, this was the first time they touched a prism and use it to split the white light to see a rainbow, the first time that they used a glass jar and beaker to see the refraction of light through bending illusion, first time to use the lenses to burn dry leave, first time to use a concave mirror to start a fire, first time to use a magnet and pull iron filling from sand, first time to burn chemical elements in the chemistry laboratory and understand that they burn in different colours and the list goes on… 

Though it is located in the same region and at the foot of the most noticeable Mount in the region, most participants never had a visit to the Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory. Being there for the first time at dusk was the most outstanding and memorable experience that will stay in the minds of most teachers. To most, this was the first time that they visited an observatory and the first time that they saw a big telescope let alone that it is in Tanzania and perhaps the only one among the East Africa Community countries.

There was a lot of AHA!  moments being the first time most realized that there are planets and stars in the starry night that we take for granted. Realizing that stars are twinkling and planets are not, seeing satellites passing for the
the first time, looking at constellations for the first time, identifying the different types of stars and also determining their ages based on the colours of their shining lights.

There were also many more questions including why no white light at the observatory at night, why we take off our shoes before we enter, and why we have red lights at the observatory. It was so many questions that one led another without end. This was fascinating, not just to participants but also to the trainers and observatory attendants who were taking part.

Knowing that it isn’t easy for everyone to pay a visit to the observatory at night with students, participants were also introduced to the mobile planetarium that can to schools and has more students taking part. In The planetarium shows took the participants even further beyond their current on the night sky in understanding and seeing nebula, supernova explosions, space telescopes, black holes and processes for the birth and death of the stars and starry night observation using Stellarium software. Stories of Greek mythology based on their observations of the night skies were also told by nine years old child, Aryaq Mponda Malozo who is fascinated by the starry night sky and mythologies. 

The organizing team appreciates the OAD financial support that was key to the success of the training and will forever be indebted to Kai Staats, Mike Simons, Graham Lau, Zara Randriamanakoto, Susan Murabana, Musa Mishamo, Elineema Nassari, Hamuli Majeshi, Thomas Mbise, Aminiel Mungure and all participants their active involvement that made the event a success. 

Following this successful experience and feedback from the participants, the Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory is looking forward to replicating and repeating this training with interested stakeholders and teachers within and outside Tanzania.  Please use our contact page to stay in touch.