Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Numerous people in varied ages and backgrounds are interested in astronomy, but not everybody. Having lectured in interdisciplinary courses in astronomy for more than 25 years, I would like to share some of the topics that have worked well to attract students that not normally would have applied for an astronomy course. These topics could be useful for all teachers since they (1) raise the interest for several students and (2) open for collaborations between subjects such as astronomy and e.g. history, art, music, philosophy, psychology, culture, navigation, sports as well as the natural sciences. The contribution will be built around 10 specific questions e.g. “Which phases of the moon are most common in art?”, “Who will go to Mars?” and “What events are related to the Pleiades?”.

Biography:

Maria Sundin has a research background in galactic dynamics and since 2012 in equestrian sports and technology. Since the mid 90's she has been teaching popular and interdisciplinary astronomy at the University of Gothenburg. She has also made numerous contributions in TV, radio and the daily press. In 2012 she was awarded the Pedagogical Prize of the University of Gothenburg and in 2020 she was awarded the Åforsk Knowledge Prize for outstanding efforts in knowledge dissemination.

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