Considering

that scientific and mathematical literacy and a workforce trained in science and technology are essential to maintain a healthy population, a sustainable environment, and a prosperous economy in any country

that modern astronomy, when properly taught, nurtures rational, quantitative thinking and an understanding of the history and nature of science, as distinct from rote learning and pseudo-science

that astronomy has a proven record of attracting young people to an education in science and technology and, on that basis, to careers in space-related and other sciences as well as industry

that the cultural, historical, philosophical and aesthetic values of astronomy help to establish a better understanding between natural science and the arts and humanities,

that, nevertheless, in many countries, astronomy is not present in the school curriculum and astronomy teachers are often not adequately trained or supported, but

that many scientific and educational societies and government agencies have produced a variety of well-tested, freely-available educational resource material in astronomy at all levels of education


Recommends

that national educational systems include astronomy as an integral part of the school curriculum at both the elementary (primary) and secondary level, either on its own or as part of another science course

that national educational systems and national teachers' unions assist elementary and secondary school teachers to obtain better access to existing and future training resources in astronomy in order to enhance effective teaching and learning in the natural sciences

that the National Representatives/Liaisons in the IAU and in Commission 46 call the attention of their national educational systems to the resources provided by and in astronomy, and

that members of the IAU and all other astronomers contribute to the training of the new, scientifically literate generation by assisting local educators at all levels in conveying the excitement of astronomy and of science in general.