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SUMMARY:O50 - From Abstract Space Science to Hands-on Inquiry: A Pilot Lea
 rning Framework for Children Aged 9–12
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20261125T063000Z
DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20261125T064500Z
DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20261112T151440Z
UID:indico-contribution-904@indico.narit.or.th
DESCRIPTION:Speakers: DANUPON MARKJARD (National Astronomical Research Ins
 titute of Thailand (NARIT))\nAstronomy is often taught to primary students
  through facts and memorization\, despite its potential for visual\, spati
 al\, and inquiry-based learning. This practice paper presents ASTRO KIDS S
 UMMER CAMP\, a one-day learning framework developed by the National Astron
 omical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). It aims to translate abstra
 ct space-science concepts into tangible experiences through which children
  observe\, construct\, question\, and explain.\n\nThe framework was pilote
 d in four sessions for children aged 9–12\, with 30–36 participants pe
 r session. Participants joined through open\, fee-based public enrollment 
 and therefore introduced a bias upon economic status\, rather than reflect
 ing the true population. Each session combined an age-adapted planetarium 
 program\, one or two hands-on workshops\, and telescope observation. Selec
 ted sessions also included guided visits to NARIT facilities\, such as sat
 ellite assembly and testing areas\, cleanrooms\, telescope-maintenance fac
 ilities\, and telescope-control rooms.\n\nThe workshops emphasized active 
 construction and scientifically guided imagination. Children assembled beg
 inner telescopes\, designed imaginary organisms adapted to specified envir
 onments\, created exoplanet models\, and explored astronomical concepts th
 rough embodied activities. The resulting artifacts could be taken home for
  continued exploration.\n\nEvidence from the pilot consisted of facilitato
 r observation\, informal interviews\, and examination of participants’ w
 ork. These sources indicated active participation and opportunities for ch
 ildren to describe spatial relationships\, justify design choices\, ask qu
 estions\, and revise their ideas. However\, the pilot included no pre- and
  post-assessments\, comparison group\, independent observers\, or longitud
 inal follow-up. It therefore demonstrates feasibility but does not establi
 sh cognitive improvement or long-term learning outcomes.\n\nThe framework 
 shows how planetarium experiences\, hands-on construction\, authentic rese
 arch environments\, and sky observation can be integrated into an informal
  learning program. It positions astronomy not only as subject content\, bu
 t also as a context for practising scientific questioning\, spatial repres
 entation\, evidence-based imagination\, and communication.\n\nhttps://indi
 co.narit.or.th/event/238/contributions/904/
LOCATION:Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort Ballroom III
URL:https://indico.narit.or.th/event/238/contributions/904/
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