Why be afraid of the night? - Pedagogical methods for developing positive attitudes towards natural darkness in order to reduce light pollution

Abstract

Human existence has always been accompanied by our fear of the dark. Based on the theory of  runaway selection (Fisher, 1930), it can be concluded that the innate feeling of fear associated with darkness can also be related to increased levels of light pollution of modern era. Although it is not possible and would also be undesirable to eliminate this fear, there is a pedagogical opportunity to develop positive attitudes towards the night, which may also lead to a reduction in light pollution in the future. The aim of the study is to present the psychological peculiarities of fear of natural darkness (e.g., Li et al., 2015; Morris and Kratochwill, 1998; Mooney et al., 1985) and to provide pedagogical opportunities to reduce it. Alternative types of education presented by the study based on scientific literature include astronomy education, games and tasks in the dark, night camp programs, education with virtual reality. Within each type, different educational options were presented (e.g., star counting, play therapy methods in the dark, night trips, test of courage). In addition, the results of interviews carried out with instructors related to the above mentioned pedagogical methods are also presented, as well as a detailed collection of links to help access several educational materials. The study provides a novel approach to tackling the problem of light pollution, for which it provides abundant and effective educational materials.