On Science Education Author: Ron Kaufman, p.21
Concerning the role of astronomy in early science education, Frank H. Shu, a professor of astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley, and president-elect of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), says his field does not get enough respect. Shu, who will take over the 6,000-member AAS in June 1994, says astronomy can be a useful tool in capturing the interest of students in science at the elementary and secondary levels.
"Many teachers have the wrong perception that astronomy is a fairly esoteric subject because it doesn't lead to the development of a better toaster," says Shu, who officially becomes president-elect on June 9. "I would argue that . . . this field has something valuable to offer the nation."
Shu says that, unlike many other scientific disciplines, astronomy's facts and concepts can be explained in easily understood ways. "I cannot name a better ...
