Pilot study promoting equitable Astronomy literacy among schools in West Bengal, India
PosterAstronomy Education Research
7th Shaw-IAU Workshop
Tuesday Nov. 18, 2025
UTC: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. America/New_York: 4 a.m.- 5:30 a.m.
, UTC: 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. America/New_York: 3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
, Wednesday Nov. 19, 2025
UTC: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. America/New_York: 5 a.m.- 6:30 a.m.
, Thursday Nov. 20, 2025
UTC: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. America/New_York: 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Sibsankar Palit
(LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation)
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Astronomy literacy is crucial but often missing in Indian school curricula. To address this, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and Astronomical Society of India (ASI) developed accessible astronomy resources. In 2024, the IAU Office of Astronomy Education (OAE) launched a pilot in India for schools and NGOs to use these materials and provide feedback. The LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation (LTBF) participated, integrating resources like "Big Ideas in Astronomy" into outreach programs in West Bengal, including the Planetary Parade in Badkulla, a seminar at Krishnapur Adarsha Vidyamandir, and sessions at Newtown School, Kolkata. The study assessed student understanding, interest, and hands-on experience, revealing significant knowledge gaps and the need for targeted interventions.
Biography:
Sibsankar Palit is the Founder and is currently serving as the Executive Director at the LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation®. It's a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable Space non-profit registered Section-8 company based out of West Bengal, India with a global community of young enthusiasts and professionals working on Astrobiology, Space Studies, and its Applications.
He studied Chemistry at the University of Calcutta. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, US currently working on a project related to the Life Detection Knowledge Base (LDKB) an initiative of the NfoLD Research Coordination Network, NASA.
