Astronomy knowledge in secondary school students in Colombia: an evaluation from the AstrodidaXis

TL;DR

This study assesses the astronomical knowledge of secondary students in Colombia, identifying key strengths and weaknesses to inform future astronomy education improvements in the region.

Contribution

It provides an exploratory analysis of students' astronomy knowledge in Colombia, highlighting areas for educational enhancement based on a qualitative methodology.

Findings

Identified gaps in understanding fundamental forces and element origins

Highlighted the need for improved astronomy teaching methods

Contributed to regional educational development plans

Abstract

An exploratory analysis of the astronomical knowledge of 241 secondary education students in Boyac\'a, Colombia, members of the AstrodidaXis network, was carried out using a qualitative, hermeneutic and exploratory methodology. This analysis was developed through a questionnaire aligned with the learning standards of the Ministry of National Education, as a basis for identifying areas of strength and weakness in astronomy concepts. The need to improve the understanding of various topics was highlighted, including the fundamental forces of the universe and the origin of chemical elements from the teaching of astronomy. These findings contributed to the construction of projections for the research and development of astronomy teaching in Boyac\'a, promoting the scientific, technological and social progress of the region.