On Thursday, November 29th, attendees of the 26th SciFY Academy, titled “Teaching Astronomy using Digital Tools”, which took place in INNOVATHENS, had the opportunity to experience something unique. Researchers, educators, students of exact sciences, particularly those interested in astrophysics, and astronomy enthusiasts attended this interactive event, organized by SciFY – Science For You, in collaboration with SciCo – Science Communication.

The seminar’s goal was to demonstrate how we can teach astronomy in the digital age and inspire students to reconnect with the science that fuels their imagination. We had the opportunity to provide concrete ideas, practical ways, and digital tools to the country’s creative educators to help spread interest in astronomy.

First, Vassilis Giannakopoulos, Marketing και Social Impact Manager of SciFY, presented us with educational games that they have created on the subject of astronomy, starting with the new free game for tablets and smartphones, “The Moondiver Xperience”, which participants had the opportunity to try during the seminar. Then, Mr. Giannakopoulos presented us with two more Astronomy games on the Memor-i Studio platform, where everyone can easily create their own educational game. See his “The Moondiver Xperience” presentation here.

Then, SciCo introduced the participants to experiential and digital teaching methods related to space exploration. They presented educational platforms and informed the participants about games, digital exploratory learning scenarios, and citizen science projects to introduce students to the exciting world of astronomy researchers. The participants also took part in experiential activities using augmented reality applications, where they viewed our solar system in 3D and explored the Red Planet.

A big thank you to INNOVATHENS, SciCo, and all of you who once again contributed to realizing our vision for the free dissemination of knowledge.