The Arcetri Observatory in Italy has been one of the most well-known research institutes in Italy, and around the world, for many years. Thanks to the passion and commitment of the late Professor Franco Pacini, the institute has a gained an impressive reputation, not only for its research and technology departments but also for its education. For the last few years, staff based at the observatory have participated in the Universe Awareness (UNAWE) programme, helping to inspire young children with the wonders of the cosmos.
In collaboration with the UNAWE project, the observatory works largely with children from schools in disadvantaged suburban areas. In Italy there is a high number of foreign students, especially at primary and secondary school level, and the majority are based in the country's poorest areas. Often these children don’t speak Italian very well, or at all, and therefore face strong integration problems. The Italian UNAWE team think that organising educational events in universally understandable 'languages', such as puppet theatre shows, hands-on activities, planetarium shows and storytelling events, can help overcome some of these problems and drive for more effective learning.
Another way the team tackles educational problems is through the implementation of teacher training. Almost all nursery and primary school educators in Italy have a purely pedagogical background, with no scientific training, an introduction to basic astronomical concepts is essential in order to give these educators the confidence to bring the subject into their school lessons and activities.
Profiles:
- Lara Albanese, Italian National Project Manager
Lara Albanese has a background in Physics, she conducted research in Italy and England before deciding to concentrate on science communication. Since then Albanese has authored several children’s science books, popular science articles and public talks, and organises regular astronomy outreach and education events. She is the co-founder of an astronomy education association called 'Googol', based in Parma, Italy and an active member of the International Astronomical Union. Since 1999 she has been working as the Outreach and Education specialist of Arcetri Observatory.
- Alessandra Zanazzi, Italian National Project Manager
Alessandra Zanazzi is an astrophysicist and an expert of science communication and education. Since 1996 she has designed and carried out education and laboratory activities for children, teacher training courses, conferences and other events. She has personally written many planetarium shows and has collaborated on the design of hands-on science exhibitions. For nearly 15 years Zanazzi was responsible for Planetarium and Astronomy activities at Città della Scienza, the main Italian Science Centre.
- Filippo Mannucci, Italian National Project Coordinator
Filippo Mannucci is the current director of the Arcetri Observatory and an Italian astrophysicist, working on galaxy formation and supernovae. He has many years of experience in astronomy outreach and educational activities, mainly from his time at the Florence Planetarium.
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