Introduction

The status of teaching Astronomy in European countries is variable. Sometimes Astronomy appears as a compulsory subject or as an optional subject, but on many occasions Astronomy appears within another subject, depending on the country. It is even possible for Astronomy not to appear anywhere in the curriculum. But of course the position here is better than in other less developed places. In Europe there are various topics which can be organized into two main groups: aspects related to relative motions and aspects related to properties of light. Some examples of teaching activities and materials in various countries will be described.

It is also necessary to emphasize several initiatives such as the review of Astronomy curricula, the publication of general books on Astronomy for secondary schools and the organisation of new journals to promote Astronomy in schools.

It is essential to mention the new European Association for Astronomy Education (EAAE) founded last November in Athens. This meeting was attended by 100 teachers and astronomy professionals from 17 European countries. It is hoped that this, in conjuntion with the other initiatives, will do much to encourage the study of Astronomy.

Relative Motions.

In this field, as in others, there is some very interesting material promoted by the Comite de Liaison Enseignants et Astronomes (CLEA) in France. Denise Wacheux has produced a special umbrella which is used to study the movement of the Sun and celestial sphere in relation to the horizon, and which has very interesting didactic applications in secondary schools. It is possible to change the latitude and to move the umbrella around its axis.