Description
This talk will give an overview of astronomy education in Taiwan, covering both the formal school curriculum and the informal outreach efforts led by the Taipei Astronomical Museum.
Astronomy is included in Taiwan’s 12-year basic education curriculum, revised in 2019 to emphasize interdisciplinary and competency-based learning. However, the current structure presents several challenges: content is split between physics and earth science, instructional time is limited—especially in junior high—and topic arrangement across grade levels lacks coherence. In some cases, the same concepts appear repeatedly without clear progression. A shortage of teachers with formal astronomy training adds to the problem.
To address these issues, a working group of educators and science education scholars was formed to review the curriculum and propose improvements. Key directions include reassigning basic topics like moon phases and the solar system to more appropriate grade levels, reserving abstract topics such as galaxies and cosmology for senior high, and strengthening both observational practice and teacher training. This talk will also introduce Taiwan’s curriculum framework and share international comparisons to encourage collaboration.
On the informal side, this talk will introduce the work of the Taipei Astronomical Museum. Established in 1996 and operated by the Taipei City Government, the museum’s most prominent feature is its planetarium, which boasts a 25-meter diameter hemispherical dome—the largest in Taiwan—with a seating capacity of 304. The planetarium combines a digital projection system with a Zeiss optical system to present immersive star shows, each concluding with a live constellation tour. The museum also includes a three-floor exhibition hall (each floor covering approximately 10,000 square meters), a 3D theater, the Cosmic Adventure ride, and two public observatories—one of which offers daily solar observation.
Beyond these facilities, the museum is also deeply committed to outreach activities, with a focus on engaging students from elementary to junior high school, as well as promoting lifelong learning for adult and senior audiences. These initiatives aim to spark curiosity and interest in astronomy, support science learning beyond the classroom, and make the Taipei Astronomical Museum a key educational resource across all age groups. The audience will gain insights into the museum’s programs and facilities and explore potential collaborations with the institution.
