ASTRO-EDU: Empowering Teachers as STEAM Communicators in Astronomy Education

<< Objectives >>ASTRO-EDU aims to empower primary and secondary educators as effective STEAM communicators by enhancing their astronomy content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and digital literacy through comprehensive professional development. The project will co-design and disseminate an inquiry‐based toolkit enriched with digital resources to transform astronomy education, foster science communication and interdisciplinary learning, inspire student curiosity and build a sustainable network of educators.<< Implementation >>The project features collaboratively select, adapt, refine, co-design and translate a toolkit of STEAM-based astronomy resources and link the big ideas of astronomy to other disciplines through online meetings and an expert summer school in Phase 1. Phase 2 implements intensive professional development workshops for teachers and pre-service teachers (online and in-person).Phase 3 promotes community outreach through local school and public events, virtual seminars, and citizen science projects.<< Results >>Outcomes include enhanced competencies among teachers and preservice teachers, a replicable inquiry‐based toolkit featuring digital content and a sustainable network of science communicators. Anticipated results are improved classroom practices, increased public and student engagement through outreach events, a sustainable network of astronomy ambassadors, fostering greater scientific literacy and curiosity. it will provide interdisciplinary collaborations and influence local policy makers.