From 14 to 16 April 2025, the picturesque city of Heidelberg, Germany, hosted the Astro-Journeys Sprint Event, a key initiative of the Astro-Journeys Erasmus+ project. The event took place at the iconic Haus der Astronomie, a galaxy-shaped centre for astronomy education and outreach operated by the Max Planck Society.
Over the course of two and a half dynamic days, 16 teachers from Portugal, France, Germany, Greece, and Spain came together with project coordinators to collaboratively design innovative and personalized astronomy learning paths. Grounded in the framework of the Big Ideas in Astronomy, the participants explored how to connect curriculum content with immersive tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic telescopes, while applying the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to ensure inclusive and engaging learning experiences.
The program included hands-on co-creation sessions, discussions on educational strategies, a guided visit to historical observatories, and an inspiring journey through space in the digital planetarium. The event also fostered intercultural exchange through shared meals and collaborative reflection sessions.
This sprint marked a major step in the development of the Astro-Journeys platform, which will support the creation of customizable, interdisciplinary, and accessible learning experiences across Europe. By strengthening a European community of practice, Astro-Journeys aims to make astronomy education more inclusive, relevant, and connected to students’ lives.
Below, some photos of the event:
