Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

The free professional development programs and astronomical contests inspire, engage and empower the next generation of Panamenian scientists. The number of registered in all the activities presented a decrease in the pandemic. Therefore, the objective of the study is to correlate audience participation to astronomy outreach activities. For this study we have maintained an updated participants database that allows a qualitative, quantitative, and documentary analysis. The database is categorized by regions, gender and interests. Audience participation rates differ by gender with 60% female participation in astronomical competitions and 90% female participation in professional development programs.

Biography:

Madelaine Rojas is a Space Sciences Learning Innovation Coordinator at the Science and Technology Learning Innovation Direction in SENACYT. She previously completed her PhD at the St. Petersburg State University. She is the first female Panamanian astronomer and the National Coordinator of astronomical education and outreach initiatives in the International Astronomical Union. Her research interest include evaluation methods for astronomy education in middle school and active learning methods.