Abstract:

This paper presents an overview of the themes and contents covered in Astronomy Education Research conducted in postgraduate programs in Brazil between 1973 and 2018. The researchers used Content Analysis to deal with 490 studies and identify the most discussed themes and their correlation with different stages of education, including Basic Education, Higher Education, and Non-School Education. The results showed that the Sun-Earth-Moon system is the most discussed theme in Elementary and Secondary Education, while Celestial Mechanics and gravity are more prevalent in Higher Education. Research on Non-School Education often does not focus on specific themes. The researchers discovered a central focus on teaching and learning processes, reflected in the emphasis on content and method. The study identifies trends and gaps that can contribute to developments in this field.

Keywords:
Astronomy education; Postgraduate teaching; State of the Art; Scientific research