Free talk reveals how children have learned about astronomy over the centuries
Texts and games that show how children were taught about astronomy in the 18th and 19th centuries will be explored during a free talk at Space Park Leicester.
Dr Charlotte May, of the University of Nottingham’s Manuscripts and Special Collections, will visit the University of Leicester's internationally recognised £100 million space research and innovation hub next month to give a talk called ‘The Pleasures of Astronomy: Children’s educational texts on astronomy’.
The talk will explore items held within the University of Nottingham’s Manuscripts and Special Collections which include more than 2,800 educational texts dating from the 16th century to the 20th century.
Dr May said: “My talk on ‘The Pleasures of Astronomy: Children’s educational texts on astronomy’ will draw on a variety of 18th and 19th century educational texts and games on astronomy, written for the education of children.
“Using these texts and games uncovers how astronomy was taught and understood by both children and their teachers.”
The talk will take place as part of a series of free talks at Space Park Leicester, called Space Park Conservations, and will be delivered in collaboration with the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space.
Dr James Aitcheson, of the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space, said: “It is fascinating to see how children have been taught about astronomy over the centuries and how our knowledge of the subject has developed over time.
“We’re delighted that Dr May is visiting us to share her insights into this rich subject as well as her knowledge of the fantastic materials held within the University of Nottingham’s extensive Manuscripts and Special Collections.”
Among the items from the Collections which will be featured in the talk is The Pleasures of Astronomy game revised and approved by Mrs Bryan which dates back to 1804.
‘The Pleasures of Astronomy: Children’s educational texts on astronomy’ talk will be held at Space Park Leicester at 2pm on Wednesday 9 September.