Why astronomy is useful and should be included in the school curriculum

Abstract

Why is astronomy useful? Why should it be part of the school curriculum? This paper lists about 20 reasons: cultural, historical, and philosophical reasons: practical, technological, and scientific reasons; environmental, aesthetic, and emotional reasons; and pedagogical reasons. Astronomy can attract young people lo science and technology; it can promote public awareness. understanding, and appreciation of science; it can be done as an accessible inexpensive hobby: "the stars belong to everyone." This paper then connects the reasons to the expectations of the modern school curriculum, including knowledge, skills, applications,
and attitudes.