Description
Rationale
The Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551 (2008) is aligned with the National Education Act B.E. 2542 (1999), Section 6, which states that education must aim to develop Thai people into fully-rounded individuals—physically, mentally, intellectually, ethically, and culturally—so that they can live happily with others in society. The curriculum emphasizes a learner-centered approach, encouraging students to grow into morally upright, competent individuals capable of thriving in the modern world.
Astronomy Camp On Tour is an alternative form of science learning that enables students to understand and apply astronomical knowledge to everyday life. It fosters new insights, develops critical thinking skills, and cultivates interest in science for the future. The program incorporates hands-on learning activities, scientific thinking processes, and experiments. It blends astronomy, science, and environmental education outside the classroom through real-world observation, such as celestial object tracking and learning about astronomical phenomena, structured in learning stations.
This active learning approach inspires curiosity and a scientific mindset among students, sparking behavioral changes toward a greater interest in astronomy and its connection to daily life. Through experiences like stargazing with telescopes, students enjoy both educational value and teamwork-building fun.
Based on activities conducted with students from the Science, Mathematics, and Technology Special Program, as well as regular students of Chiang Yuen Pittayakhom School in Maha Sarakham Province (under the Maha Sarakham Secondary Educational Service Area Office), it was found that many students lack fundamental understanding and skills in astronomy. This is primarily due to insufficient access to appropriate equipment, making it difficult to fully implement a student-centered learning approach. Therefore, this camp offers a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience with real equipment, engage with knowledgeable instructors, and enhance their interest and enthusiasm. It also helps identify talented students who can represent their schools in astronomy-related competitions.
Moreover, many primary and secondary schools in the Chiang Yuen Pittayakhom service area still lack access to astronomical knowledge and technology, as well as adequate teaching materials and equipment. This has resulted in low student awareness, interest, and skills in astronomy.
To address this gap, the Science and Technology Learning Area of Chiang Yuen Pittayakhom School has initiated the Astronomy Camp Project, in line with the Basic Education Core Curriculum. The project aims to instill scientific thinking processes in lower and upper secondary students, extending opportunities, knowledge, and modern astronomical techniques to network schools in the area. This initiative allows students to gain first-hand experience, broaden their worldview, enhance their scientific skills, and apply their learning meaningfully in everyday life.
1. Objectives
1.1 To enhance students' knowledge, understanding, and process skills in the field of astronomy.
1.2 To provide students with hands-on practice using telescopes and astronomical equipment, including real-sky observation.
1.3 To foster enjoyment and engagement in learning through scientific inquiry, teamwork, and collaborative living.
1.4 To establish an astronomy network among schools within the service area.
1.5 To cultivate a positive attitude toward learning science and astronomy among students.
2. Targets
2.1 Quantitative Targets
2.1.1 100% participation rate from 200 students, including students from Chiang Yuen Pittayakhom School and partner schools within the service area.
2.1.2 At least 70% of participating students will achieve a passing score on the overall activity-based assessment.
2.1.3 Participating students will express a satisfaction level of “very good” regarding the program activities.
2.2 Qualitative Targets
2.2.1 Students will demonstrate increased knowledge and improved process skills in astronomy.
2.2.2 Students will gain hands-on experience using telescopes, astronomical tools, and conducting real-sky observations.
2.2.3 Students will enjoy the learning experience, engage in scientific thinking, develop teamwork skills, and learn to live harmoniously with others.
2.2.4 Students will develop a positive attitude toward studying science and astronomy.
Achievement of Objectives
A total of 253 students from four primary schools participated in the Mobile Astronomy Camp. Through a variety of engaging activities, students gained diverse knowledge and were inspired to develop a deeper interest in astronomy.
Participant satisfaction was rated between "good" and "very good," with an average score of 4.60, indicating a very high level of satisfaction with the overall experience.enter link description here
