Exploring Astronomy in the early years of Elementary School: A study of publications in the Brazilian journal Caderno Brasileiro de Ensino de Física

Abstract:

This study aimed to analyze the scientific literature on astronomy’s teaching in basic education, with a particular focus on the initial years of elementary school. Specifically, the review examined a fifteen-year period (2007-2021) of Caderno Brasileiro de Ensino de Física (CBEF) publications. The material published before, during, and after the approval of the BNCC and the International Year of Astronomy in 2009 was subjected to a systematic literature review with a sample of 44 articles. It was evident that there was a consensus regarding the importance of astronomy education, the need for continuous teacher training, and the reevaluation of teacher formation. The Year of Astronomy had a significant impact on the number of articles published, while the implementation of the BNCC was associated with a modest increase. Additionally, the works exhibit minimal regional or gender diversity, indicating a multifaceted and comprehensive scenario in a rich field of research with significant potential for further exploration.

Keywords:
Astronomy teaching; Basic education; Fundamental teaching; Teacher training