Skies, future and curricula: Content of Astronomy and Space Sciences material in pre-University level courses Karachi

Abstract

In all the eras of known human civilization, the role of Astronomy and Space Science has been dominant. The fate of human beings was so much associated with the blessings of the skies that such topics became essential part of myth, legend, religion, philosophy, poetry and science in all the ages. Divine on one hand and most earthly on the other, these topics acclaimed paramount at all theological, philosophical, scientific and academic forums. Most of the modern developments are indebted in one or the other way to the developments in these areas. Irrespective of the importance of Astronomy and Space Science as individual subjects, their role in the development of intellect and academic enhancement cannot be ignored. Because of this, in developed countries it is managed to make these subjects part of the curricula as independent subjects. Otherwise, selected topics from these areas are included in the curricula of other related subjects. As is the case with most of the underdeveloped countries of the world, curricula in Pakistan too are deficient in this regard. This is most true in particular, at the school and college levels.