Engagement: Exploring the Astrolabe – Creating a Digital Presentation – Outreach Initiative

Title: Exploring the Astrolabe: A Journey Through History and Community Engagement

Objective: Students will investigate the history and significance of the astrolabe, an ancient astronomical tool, by utilizing the Qatar Digital Library (QDL) and create a presentation  in a digital form of their choice (e.g., PowerPoint, Canva, or Google Slides). Students may work individually or in pairs, depending on their preference, to encourage collaboration or independent exploration.

Steps to Guide Students:

Step 1: Access the Qatar Digital Library (QDL) https://www.qnl.qa/en/explore/heritage-library

Introduction to QDL:

• Explain that QDL is a digital archive containing rich resources about the Gulf and Middle East’s history and cultural heritage.
• Highlight its significance for historical research, particularly for understanding Islamic scientific contributions like the astrolabe.

Navigating QDL:

• Guide students on accessing the library: Qatar Digital Library.https://www.qnl.qa/en/explore/heritage-library

• Demonstrate how to use the search function effectively with keywords like “astrolabe,” “Islamic astronomy,” or “astronomical instruments.”

Step 2: Search for Astrolabe-Related Materials

Encourage Exploration:

Advise students to explore a variety of materials (e.g., manuscripts, scholarly articles, and images) to build a holistic understanding of the astrolabe’s history.

Provide examples of topics to focus on:

• The astrolabe’s invention and evolution.
• Its significance during the Islamic Golden Age.
• Cultural and scientific applications, such as navigation and timekeeping.

Tips for Efficient Research:

Identify and bookmark resources relevant to their topic.

Take screenshots of any images, manuscripts, or diagrams to include in the presentation (crediting sources).

Step 3: Study Selected Resources

Deep Dive into Content:

Students should analyze their selected materials to uncover:

• The historical context of the astrolabe.

• Key figures in its development (e.g., al-Zarqālī, Ibn al-Shāṭir).

• The technological advancements it brought to astronomy and navigation. 

Provide Support:

Teachers or facilitators can assist students in understanding complex texts or clarifying any unfamiliar terms.

Step 4: Document Key Insights

Note-Taking Guidelines:

Instruct students to summarize key points, such as:

• The astrolabe’s impact on scientific progress.

• Interesting artifacts or unique findings (e.g., ornate designs of Islamic astrolabes).

Encourage students to categorize information into:

• Historical Development

• Cultural Significance

• Scientific Application

Visual Representation:

• Suggest using bullet points, images, or infographics to make their insights visually engaging.

Step 5: Create a Digital Presentation

Structure of the Slide(s):

Title Slide: Include a presentation title, for example: ‘Exploring the Astrolabe: A Journey Through History’, student name(s), and date.

Content Slides: Use the following structure:

• Slide 1: Introduction to the Astrolabe

• Slide 2: Historical Development and Key Figures

• Slide 3: Applications and Impact on Science and Navigation

• Slide 4: Unique Artifacts or Findings

Encourage Creativity:

Use digital tools like Canva, PowerPoint, or Google Slides.

Include visuals from the QDL, such as manuscripts or diagrams (properly credited).

Reflection Slide (Optional):

Add a final slide summarizing why the astrolabe remains significant in today’s understanding of history and science.

Presentation Submission & Sharing:

Students can present their slides to the class to practice public speaking and share their findings.

Alternatively, they can submit their work digitally for peer review, or teacher feedback.

This engagement fosters critical thinking, digital research skills, and creativity while encouraging students to connect historical exploration with modern presentation techniques

Devise this structure for your ‘Community Outreach Plan’

1. Project Title:
2. Project Goals:
3. Target Audience:
4. Description of the Project:
5. Resources Needed:
6. Timeline:
7. Expected Outcomes:
8. Evaluation Plan: