source: MMUST

The OAD funded project ‘Inspiring STEM Engagement through the Support of Astronomy Programs in Primary Schools in Kisumu County, Kenya,’ seeks to enhance science learning among learners from Grade One to Grade Six by leveraging astronomy as an innovative and engaging entry point into environmental science and integrated science. The project team organised a training workshop on 18^th and 19^th July 2026, at Shekinah Gardens-Kisumu, supported through an IAU OAD grant.

Presenting the workshop objectives, Prof. Ndinya highlighted the project’s key findings, noting that learners have a strong interest in astronomy despite the subject being underrepresented in the school curriculum. He observed that many teachers require additional training to effectively deliver astronomy-related content and emphasized that astronomy provides an ideal context for implementing the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum by nurturing inquiry, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The workshop featured interactive presentations and practical demonstrations designed to enhance teachers’ capacity to integrate astronomy into classroom instruction using learner-centred approaches. During one of the interactive sessions on ‘Understanding the Sun, Earth and the Moon System,’ Dr. Amuyunzu encouraged teachers to adopt authentic assessment strategies aligned with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum. He advised them to assess learners through observation checklists, portfolios and peer assessment, noting that these approaches provide a more holistic evaluation of learners’ knowledge, practical skills and competencies.

Similarly, Dr. Wakhu Rapando led a session on ‘Introduction to the Universe,’ where he emphasized that astronomy offers learners a unique opportunity to explore the origins, structure and vastness of the universe enabling them to develop critical thinking skills. He encouraged teachers to simplify complex astronomical concepts through practical demonstrations, locally available teaching resources and hands-on activities that spark learners’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of science.  “ By any means CBE should not be allowed to degenerate into 8-4-4. Teachers should not cover the curriculum, they should uncover it to unravel the content to the learners, ”   said Dr. Rapando.

Speaking during one of the plenary sessions, Dr. Caroline Ayoti encouraged the teachers to adapt the innovative teaching approaches to their unique classroom contexts. She emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration among teachers, schools and the University in advancing quality STEM education through astronomy.

The second day of the workshop focused on practical application, with participants receiving hands-on training on the effective use of astronomy teaching kits to enhance classroom instruction. The researchers provided binoculars and other astronomy learning equipment to the participants. The teachers also engaged in inquiry-based STEM activities designed to demonstrate how astronomy concepts can be integrated into learner-centred lessons.

In addition, participants explored strategies for establishing and sustaining astronomy clubs in their respective schools as platforms for nurturing learners’ curiosity, creativity and sustained interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).