Archaeoastronomy and Cultural Astronomy are challenging topics straddling more than just astronomy and archaeology. But it can offer many opportunities when teaching astronomy at school level. These go far beyond calendars and high precision lunar measurements; terms that can easily be misinterpreted. Modern programs and TV schemes such as BBC stargazing live have invigorated the astronomy interest which has been acknowledged in the new astronomy GCSE. However, it remains to be seen how this can be achieved and especially if the actual key messages can be transferred.
This presentation will outline how important the realization of a holistic experience of watching is to understand and appreciate archaeoastronomy. Observing will only encapsulate modern scientific methods that cannot be applied to ancient peoples approach. The act of watching is essential for archaeoastronomy and leads to the engagement with Skyscape.
As part of this discussion, watching will be put into context with realistic naked eye observation and telescopic work using no imaging equipment. Leading to modern re-discovery of the Skyscape illustrated through the Skyscape as well as People & Space categories in the Royal museum Greenwich Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year. It will set the pedagogical scene for an efficient delivery of astronomy. Covering these aspects will allow engagement with wide reaching topics such as light pollution and subjects as far reaching as global citizenship.