What question did this study set out to answer?

The project aims to integrate astrophysics data into biology education to enhance interdisciplinary understanding.

February 6, 20260 citationsOpen Access

Galactic Archaeology in School Biology: Teaching With Real Data From Frontier Astrophysics

JAJocelyn AlarconUniversidad de Santiago de Chile

Key Points

The project aims to integrate astrophysics data into biology education to enhance interdisciplinary understanding.
Implemented a didactic sequence in high school biology class
Used the 'Star in a Box' tool to simulate stellar evolution
Analyzed metallicity data to study star age and evolution
Students recognized that stellar evolution is mass-dependent
Students understood that chemical elements are formed in stars
Students linked cosmic and biological evolution, enhancing their perception of biology's connection to astronomy

Abstract

This is a poster presented at the 7th Shaw-IAU Workshop on Astronomy for Education, organised by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE, https://astro4edu.org/shaw-iau/7th-shaw-iau-workshop/). Title: Galactic Archaeology in School Biology: Teaching With Real Data From Frontier Astrophysics Presenter:Jocelyn (Alarcon Augustinian School of El Bosque, CIRAS, YEMS, University of Santiago de Chile (USACH)) A didactic sequence on galactic archaeology was implemented in a high school biology class using real astrophysics data. Students explored the life cycles of stars and their chemical evolution, drawing parallels with biological evolution. In Class 1, "From the Cosmos to Life," they used a tool called "Star in a Box" to simulate stellar evolution. In Class 2, "Discovering Cosmic Fossils," they analyzed metallicity data to understand the age and evolution of stars. Results showed students recognized that stellar evolution depends on mass and that chemical elements are formed in stars. They linked cosmic and biological evolution, shifting their perception of biology’s connection to astronomy. The project aims to inspire interdisciplinary teaching strategies and expand its use among educators. Collaborators:Irma Fuentes, Álvaro RojasCarla HernándezRubén MontecinosFernanda AlarcónMaribel CornejoIgnacia BenitoMarcy Best. About the 7th Shaw-IAU Workshop:The 7th Shaw-IAU Workshop took place 18 - 21 November 2025. The Shaw-IAU workshops focus on astronomy education for primary and secondary school students and teacher training both in universities and in service. This year's Education focus session on Teaching with authentic data and the Science focus is on Galaxies.More details can be found on: https://astro4edu.org/shaw-iau/Keep up to date with future Shaw-IAU Workshops and other opportunities at the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education by joining our mailing list https://astro4edu.org/mailing-list/ Follow the IAU OAE on Bluesky and Facebook under @astro4edu

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