Sidewalk astronomy is a public-oriented scientific activity that aims increase public’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of astronomy. However, to achieve this goal, organizers of sidewalk astronomy must be able to consider several factors to maximize the learning experience of the public. In this study, light pollution, site area, sightlines, terrain, and accessibility were...
Astronomy, as a scientific discipline, has remained largely absent from formal academic curricula in Mindanao, leaving a gap in opportunities for students and the public to explore the wonders of the universe. With this, the establishment of the first planetarium developed by DOST-PAGASA in Molugan, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental marks a groundbreaking step toward making astronomy...
Artificial light at night increasingly obscures the stars, contributes to skyglow and glare, and diminishes opportunities for public engagement with the natural night sky. Although advanced lighting technologies can mitigate these effects, their cost often limits adoption in many local communities. This study evaluated a DIY Light Shielding Hood as an affordable intervention for improving...
The integration of emerging digital technologies such as augmented reality (AR) presents new possibilities for enhancing science teaching, particularly in representing abstract and dynamic Earth science concepts. However, its instructional value depends on how teachers interpret, adapt, and embed these technologies within classroom practices. Hence, this study examined pre-service science...
Introduction
Planetarium environments—dark domes, sudden loud sounds, abstract celestial motions—can overwhelm children with ASD due to sensory sensitivities and preference for predictability. However, astronomy’s visual and pattern-based nature also offers unique engagement opportunities. This discussion outlines four practical communication strategies to make planetarium lectures...
Astronomy education research has expanded in response to increasing interest in space science, technological innovation, and interdisciplinary STEM learning. However, the landscape of astronomy education research in Southeast Asia remains fragmented, with limited synthesis of prevailing themes, pedagogical approaches, innovations, and research directions. This study maps the landscape of...
Motivation plays a critical role in students’ engagement and persistence in learning Earth and Space Science, particularly when exploring abstract topics such as planetary systems, space exploration, and celestial phenomena. This study investigated the effects of a blended station rotation model on students’ motivation toward Earth and Space Science learning. Employing a quasi-experimental...
Understanding how students experience motivation within blended learning environments remains an important yet underexplored area in science education. This multiple case study explored students' motivational experiences during a blended station rotation model implemented in a Grade 10 planetary science unit. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, the study examined four motivational cases:...
Astronomy plays a vital role in advancing scientific literacy; however, astronomy instruction in the Philippines remains largely limited to foundational concepts within the K–12 curriculum, providing few opportunities for learners to explore advanced topics and develop practical skills. The lack of structured informal astronomy programs and age-appropriate instructional resources further...
Astronomy can foster scientific literacy, critical thinking, imagination, and competencies essential for twenty-first-century learners. Nevertheless, many rural schools face barriers to high-quality astronomy education, including limited access to scientific instruments, specialist expertise, authentic data, learning resources, and hands-on scientific experiences. This study presents and...
The Cosmos is the primary resource for astronomical science that is connected by the Astronomical Center of Observatory for Academic Research and Development in Mindanao, Philippines. However, the field of astronomical science requires further development to achieve its full potential according to PAGASA. This project aims to elevate the nation’s scientific landscape, thereby fostering its...
Kawasaki Municipal Science Museum is a museum of astronomy and natural sciences with a planetarium, which is equipped with an 18-meter dome and the opto-mechanical planetarium “MEGASTAR-III FUSION” by Ohira Tech.
We have a planetarium workshop for elementary school students in grades 4 through 6. The workshop consists of sessions held over 7-month period and provides hands-on experience...
Astronomy on Tap (AoT) is a worldwide network of events in which astronomers and related professionals & students give short presentations in pubs and cafes, allowing the public to connect with experts in a relaxed environment. Last March 2026, AoT Manila was launched, becoming the first AoT "satellite" in the Philippines and the sixth in Asia. AoT Manila is currently organized by the...
Access to authentic astronomy research experiences remains limited for many students in rural schools, particularly in contexts where scientific equipment, specialist support, and opportunities for advanced inquiry are not readily available. This study presents the development and implementation of the ASTRO-KHURU Model, a project-based astronomy learning model designed to promote astronomical...
While Pasig City continues to advance student welfare and educational access, a gap still remains in specialized, immersive infrastructure capable of bridging traditional classroom learning with applied scientific inquiry, indigenous culture, and urban environmental care. Standard educational spaces lack the advanced technology needed to inspire and nurture future researchers, limiting...
Tanay, Rizal has become one of the most frequented destinations for camping, stargazing, and outdoor recreation in the Philippines due to its relatively dark skies, elevated terrain, and accessibility from Metro Manila. However, increasing tourism development, expanding infrastructure, and the growing use of artificial outdoor lighting pose potential threats to the quality of its nighttime...
Public outreach has become an essential part of the role of modern astronomical observatories, complementing research and education by building connections with surrounding communities. However, outreach activities have relatively limited emphasis on demonstrating how astronomy can be connected to environmental issues that are directly relevant to surrounding communities. This project aims to...
Astronomy is an effective tool for promoting scientific literacy, critical thinking, and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Following the Astronomy Teacher Training Program jointly conducted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), trained...
The DOST-PAGASA Space Science and Astronomy Section developed a competency-based, self-paced Basic Astronomy Training Course to standardize and enhance the technical and pedagogical competencies of astronomy lecturers assigned to PAGASA Regional Services Division (PRSD) mobile and fixed planetariums. Designed as a blended learning program, the course integrates asynchronous online instruction...
The DOST-PAGASA Space Science and Astronomy Section (SSAS) conducts the Mobile Planetarium and Stargazing Outreach Program to bring astronomy education and public engagement activities to schools, government agencies, local communities, and other institutions throughout the Philippines. The program is implemented through DOST-PAGASA-initiated outreach activities during astronomy celebrations...
Looking up at the night sky can shift how people feel about their own worries. The sense of awe and vastness that astronomy brings pull attention into the present moment and helps us change what feels important. These same shifts sit at the heart of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which is a practice built around accepting difficult feelings, stepping back from unhelpful thoughts, and...
Astronomy can feel hard to reach— full of numbers, distances, and ideas that are tough to picture. Egg Nebula is a digital science communication platform that treats stories and art as the way in, turning complex concepts and data into experiences the public can actually understand and enjoy.
At the center of this talk is a digital planetarium where users trace their own shapes among the...
Astronomy outreach activities often depend on weather conditions and clear skies. On cloudy or rainy nights, or before the sky becomes dark enough, telescope observations cannot be carried out as planned. Therefore, one of the main challenges in astronomy outreach is not only organizing stargazing activities, but also creating meaningful learning experiences that can continue even when the sky...
Astronomy education provides a unique opportunity to integrate scientific inquiry with cultural heritage and interdisciplinary learning. However, astronomy instruction in many schools remains largely lecture-based, limiting students' opportunities to engage in authentic scientific investigations and connect astronomical concepts with local contexts. Thailand and ASEAN countries possess rich...
The Visayas Planetarium, operated by the Visayas PAGASA Regional Services Division (VPRSD) in Cebu, Philippines, is emerging as a regional platform for astronomy education, public engagement, and informal STEM learning. While the planetarium primarily introduces visitors to astronomy and space science through immersive digital experiences, its potential extends beyond the dome by connecting...
Introduction
Filipino students are required to undertake the revised basic education curriculum (RBEC, or K–12 curriculum) from kindergarten up to senior high school set by the Department of Education (DepEd). Included in the revised curriculum are astronomy concepts that are taught at different grade levels in junior high school (from Grade 7 up to Grade 9). Topics in Grade 7 include...
Many schools are interested in introducing astronomy education but often face challenges in starting a program due to limited teacher experience, insufficient resources, and uncertainty about how to create meaningful learning opportunities. As a result, astronomy activities may remain occasional events rather than developing into a continuous learning culture involving students and...
