The role of scientific museums in physics and astronomy education courses for pre-service primary school teachers

Abstract

Within the Physics Education Course for pre-service primary school teachers, in the academic year 2013-14, we have developed an educational project in collaboration with the Museum of the History of Physics of Padua University and the Museum of Astronomy of Padua Astronomical Observatory. The main goals of the project were: (a) to stimulate in pre-service teachers a reflection on how scientific museums could be used for proposing effective and motivating scientific experiences within primary school curriculum, (b) make them to experience and recognize the advantages of an historical and narrative approach in the learning of a new subject. The presentations in the Museums were focused on the relation between the construction of new instruments and the evolution of scientific knowledge. Cosmological models from the ancient times up to eighteenth century were presented using instruments, paintings and significant narratives of important astronomers and physicists of the past. The effectiveness of the experience has been evaluated through a written essay that students have been asked to do at the end of both visits.