The nature of objects we see in our sky, for instance, planets, comets, stars, galaxies. Examine thinking from the past ages and more recent times to explain the character, origin and evolution of the Earth, other planets, stars and the Universe. Recent studies of students' misconceptions and ideas in astronomy provide a useful basis for the further development of teaching methods. Since astronomy can provide a unique opportunity for fascinating, whole school activity, support should be provided for optional courses and extra-curricular work in astronomy. Astronomy teaching can contribute to an understanding of the physical laws which start from the human level and reach the macro-cosmos to give a scientific organised outlook on our world and appreciate the uniqueness of the Earth for the human race.
Astronomy locates our niche in space and time.
Students should be aware of threats, from light pollution and radio interference, to our ability to observe the night sky. Astronomy teaching conveys the fundamentals of the scientific method, including the associated doubt and lack of answers and the interplay between experiment and theory, thereby forcing students to adopt a critical attitude towards the many pseudo-sciences.