From the 21st to the 25th of July 2025, the European Space Agency and the Galileo Teacher Training Program once again joined forces to offer an inspiring professional development opportunity for teachers from around the world. Hosted by the European Space Astronomy Center (ESAC), ESA’s window to the Universe, near Madrid, the training brought together educators, scientists, and educational experts for a week dedicated to the theme “The Sun and Eclipses”.
Focusing on the science behind our closest star and the upcoming solar eclipses visible from the Iberian Peninsula in 2026, 2027, and 2028, the course combined expert-led lectures with hands-on workshops. Participants explored how to design engaging classroom projects using real scientific data from leading international space missions.
Organized by CESAR (Cooperation through Education in Science and Astronomy Research), the resident educational team at ESAC, and NUCLIO (coordinator of the GTTP – Galileo Teacher Training Program), with the support of the team from the IAC (Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias), The Schools’ Observatory, ICE-CSIC and in partnership with the ESIA (European School Innovation Academy), the program offered a unique blend of scientific discovery and classroom application.
Throughout the week, teachers connected with leading researchers, explored the facilities, and collaborated on classroom-ready science projects—returning home with new knowledge, practical resources, and fresh inspiration for their students. The program also featured a visit to the Spanish National Astronomical Observatory on 25th of July!
See below some photos of the course:
National Observatory
A big thank you to everyone who joined us—both in person and online—throughout this inspiring week!
We can’t wait to create more unforgettable learning experiences with you in the years ahead!