Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Astronomy education is the perfect area of opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists. This talk showcases the work, educational strategies, and experience gained through developing and implementing the first program in Guatemala for teaching Astronomy as its own subject in High School. Starting in the year 2018, it has successfully run in two different schools and more than 400 students have successfully completed the course. As a result, students have asked for astrophysics as a follow up course to run this year as part of their science electives. Following the implementation, there have also been students that chose to join aerospace engineering and astrophysics programs as their college majors, proving to be successful in engaging young adults towards studying science.

About Melissa Solares Hidalgo

Melissa Solares received her bachelor's degree in Teaching Mathematics and Physics from Universidad del Valle de Guatemala in 2020, a Diploma in Basic Astronomy and Astrophysics from Universidad Galileo in 2017, and is completing her M.Ed. with a concentration in International Teaching from Framingham State University in the year 2024. She has been an educator in secondary school since 2016, specializing in Physics and Astronomy. Since 2021, she is currently the National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC) in Guatemala appointed by the OAE. Her interests include science education and outreach, specifically through conferences, public talks, teacher professional development sessions, student workshops, and developing curriculum.