Galactic archaeology in school biology: teaching with real data from frontier astrophysics.
PosterAstronomy Education in Schools in Practice (Secondary Schools)
7th Shaw-IAU Workshop
Tuesday Nov. 18, 2025
UTC: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. America/New_York: 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.
, Friday Nov. 21, 2025
UTC: 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. America/New_York: 7:30 a.m.- 9 a.m.
Alarcón Barraza Jocelyn
(Augustinian School of El Bosque, CIRAS, YEMS, University of Santiago de Chile (USACH))
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A didactic sequence on galactic archaeology was implemented in a high school biology class using real astrophysics data. Students explored the life cycles of stars and their chemical evolution, drawing parallels with biological evolution. In Class 1, "From the Cosmos to Life," they used a tool called "Star in a Box" to simulate stellar evolution. In Class 2, "Discovering Cosmic Fossils," they analyzed metallicity data to understand the age and evolution of stars. Results showed students recognized that stellar evolution depends on mass and that chemical elements are formed in stars. They linked cosmic and biological evolution, shifting their perception of biology’s connection to astronomy. The project aims to inspire interdisciplinary teaching strategies and expand its use among educators.
Biography:
Jocelyn Alarcón is a professor and didactic of biology at the Alberto Hurtado University. Previously, she completed her master's degree at the Alberto Hurtado University. His lines of research include the PCK in teacher reasoning and in astronomical education with frontier astrophysics.
