OVERVIEW
Sky School provides immersive, inquiry-based science programs to Arizona K-12 students. Field experiences focus on core University of Arizona science areas such as Sky Island ecology, earth sciences, dendrochronology, hydrology, and astronomy, and meet Arizona State Science Standards. We integrate topics across the scientific disciplines, while simultaneously building language arts and mathematics skills. All programs include outdoor field instruction in small groups, from a schoolyard to our Mt. Lemmon campus, with UA graduate student scientists serving as instructors and mentors. Students are in charge of designing and carrying out their own scientific inquiry projects, learn astronomy with the use of UA telescopes, and have opportunities to maintain post-trip relationships with UA scientists. Programs also include inclusive team-building exercises, creative arts, and games to promote scientific skills, group cohesiveness and effective collaboration.
VISION
The University of Arizona Steward Observatory Mount Lemmon SkyCenter and Sky School are cultivating curiosity, and opportunities for engagement with the natural world, through partnerships with diverse communities in Southern Arizona.
MISSION
To broaden engagement with the natural world by day, and the skies above by night, through accessible public outreach programs; and to cultivate the next generation of leaders in science, through delivery of transformative educational experiences.
OUR STORY
In 2011 Benjamin Blonder, then a PhD student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), approached Alan Strauss, then Director of the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter, with a vision for a university-run residential science program for regional schools. As their discussions continued, they were joined by Pacifica Sommers (also a PhD student in EEB at the time) who shared their desire to build a program. Pacifica was awarded a 2-year NASA Space Grant Fellowship to fund her efforts in developing the program.
In its first year the Sky School served four schools, some in partnership with the Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors program. Three came for single overnight programs and Flowing Wells High School for the first four-day flagship Sky School research program. The first teacher to bring her class to the Sky School was Rebecca Lipson, who joined the Sky School the following year as an assistant director. Within five years, the Sky School was delivering 15 school programs per year, with a staff of ~15 graduate students from across the University. In 2014, the Sky School was recognized by the Obama White House under their environmental stewardship Champions of Change program. As the Sky school grew to deliver more programs each year, new types of programs were offered in urban locations, schools began to come from across the country, and the instructional staff grew to approximately two dozen instructors including graduate students from both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University.
Leadership of the Sky School has changed over time. In 2021, Rebecca Lipson moved to a new position, and Rob McGehee joined the staff as assistant director. In 2023 Alan Strauss accepted an offer to join the Vera Rubin Observatory, and in 2024 David Austin became director.
Many of the best practices from the Sky School are available in an open-access book written by our staff, “Place-Based Scientific Inquiry A Practical Handbook for Teaching Outside”.
OUTCOMES
- Students participate in authentic science inquiry experiences
- Relating learning to the larger framework of science research, as well as personal applications
- Increased skills and confidence for Arizona youth to pursue higher education and STEM careers
- Developing and maintain working relationships with UA scientists
- Developing a better ‘sense of place’, including the natural and cultural history, of the Tucson region
SKY SCHOOL IS FOR EVERYONE
Our programs are meant to be welcoming spaces for students of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. We follow the University of Arizona’s non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy regarding race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and genetic information. Our staff are trained to provide a positive experience for all participants. Please contact us if you have any questions or special needs for your Sky School program.
PROGRAM TYPES
Single-Day Programs
Single-day & single-evening program options introducing participants to the natural and space sciences of the Sky Islands. Daytime programs are hosted outdoors in local parks or schoolyards and emphasize building observational skills while learning about ecological systems through guided activities. Evening programs are hosted at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory and engage participants with the local astronomy community while providing observing opportunities through world-class research telescopes.
Learn more about Single-Day & Evening Programs here.
Overnight Programs
Multi-day residential programs at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory diving deeper into both the natural and space sciences of the Sky Islands. Mentored by UA graduate student instructors, participants learn about the natural sciences of the Sky Islands region while conducting student-designed inquiry projects. Includes astronomy programming and telescope viewing in the evenings, dormitory stays, and catered meals on site.
Learn more about Overnight Mountain Programs here.
Semester Programs
Semester-long mentorship programs for Title I high schools and organizations serving at-risk youth combining classroom instruction and outdoor field research. UA graduate student instructors meet with participating groups throughout the semester as they mentor them through the process of designing and conducting their own scientific research projects. Programs can take place at schools, UA campus, or local parks, and sometimes culminate with an Overnight Program on Mt Lemmon. Semester Programs are generally grant-funded and offered at little or no cost to participating schools and youth organizations.
Learn more about Semester Programs here.
Custom Programs
Customizable science experiences tailored to the needs of specific education groups and community organizations. Program length, location, and topics can all vary depending on the interests of the group.
Learn more about Custom Programs here.
Funding for Programs
IDEAS FOR FUNDING YOUR PROGRAM
- Arizona tax credit donations
- Partnership with Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors (e.g. Tucson chapter)
- Education Enrichment Foundation (EEF) grant – TUSD1 schools only
- Donors Choose
CURRENT SUPPORTERS
- Haury Program
- Larry and Susan Allen
- Tucson Electric Power
- Willingham Foundation
We depend on philanthropy to continue to deliver world-class outreach and education programs. Your contributions can help purchase equipment, underwrite K-12 student participation at the Sky School, improve facilities, and provide support for graduate student instructor stipends. For many of our public-school students, their Sky School experience is their first visit to public federal land, their first experience hiking, or their first chance to interact with or see themselves as professional scientists and researchers.
(Be sure to designate your gift to ‘Sky School’ in the Additional Information field)