Speaker
Description
This interactive workshop introduces participants to Philippine ethnoastronomy through a creative maker-based activity that combines cultural heritage, astronomy, and basic electronics. Inspired by the "Let's Light Up the Constellations" activity developed by the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), the workshop replaces familiar Western constellations with selected Indigenous Philippine constellations, offering a culturally relevant approach to astronomy education.
The session will feature selected traditional constellations, such as Balatik and Moroporo, and discuss their correspondence with modern constellations recognized by contemporary astronomy. The hands-on portion of the workshop will guide participants in creating an illuminated paper-circuit constellation using conductive copper tape, LEDs, and a coin-cell battery. Working from prepared templates, participants will assemble a simple electrical circuit that lights up the stars of an Indigenous constellation while learning the basic principles of circuit design and conductivity. Facilitators will provide step-by-step guidance, making the activity suitable even for participants with no prior experience in electronics.
By the end of the session, participants will have completed their own illuminated constellation model, gained practical experience in paper-circuit technology, and acquired ideas and resources for adapting this low-cost, hands-on activity to engage diverse audiences while promoting appreciation of the Philippines' rich astronomical heritage.
