Teaching astronomy in Romania and the Republic of Moldova: its impact on students’ education

Abstract

This article analyzes the evolution of astronomy teaching in the Romanian area, from its ancient roots to the modern era, the authors focusing on the situation in the last decades in Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences, has a great significance in human culture and education. In Romania, the teaching of astronomy began formally in 1776, but it has fluctuated over time. In the medieval era, astronomy was linked to religious education, while in modern times, it has been integrated into various school subjects. During the communist period, the teaching of astronomy was restricted, being limited to the upper grades or being eliminated from the curriculum altogether. Recently, there have been some initiatives to reintroduce astronomy as a distinct subject of study, reflecting the desire to rekindle students’ interest in this field. This article emphasizes the need for the introduction of an integrated astronomy course in schools and the need for adequate resources, as well as the importance of astronomy in developing students' critical thinking, curiosity and interest in science