This presentation theorizes the teaching, learning, and organizing of an informal, urban sidewalk astronomy movement called #popscope — in short, a “#popscope pedagogy.” #popscope is a volunteer-run urban astronomy group founded in 2014, that has hosted over 500 events and serving more than 26,000 guests, particularly underserved urban communities, by democratizing astronomy teaching and learning. Its pedagogy encompasses free-choice learning, joy, hybrid learning, and "affinity spaces”: informal, non-hierarchical learning environments outside traditional schooling. The article draws on the author's reflections and analysis of #popscope organizational material, while also addressing counterpoints: challenges to equitable outreach and risks of science misinformation in informal spaces.

Biography:

Michael O'Shea, PhD is an education researcher-practitioner and member of the National Coalition of Independent Scholars. He works as an Early College Program Manager with Cambridge Public Schools, focusing on college access, and is also co-founder of #popscope public astronomy. Since 2014, #popscope has connected 21,000+ guests at over 500 events with the night sky — and to each other — in a variety of urban spaces, such as public parks, sidewalks, and train stations.

He is currently an Early Career Researcher with ASTRO ACCEL, a global network of astronomy educators and researchers, where he is exploring socio-emotional aspects of learning in informal astronomy educational settings.