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.
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.
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)