Cincinnati Observatory Center

Educational outreach - the Observatory provides hands-on learning opportunities in the stem (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines aligned with oh, ky & in k-12 curriculum standards. We offer a variety of standard and customized programs which Center around the definition of science, inquiry, the scientific method, critical thinking and problem solving. In 2020, before the covid-19 pandemic, we were slated to focus our work on increasing our underserved engagement, which remains a priority as we shift to online learning platforms and programs. While our numbers were not where they would have been absent a pandemic, we were still able to work with 5,000 students in person (jan-mar 2020) and an additional 3,000 students via online outreach. We continue to work with students pre-k through grade 12. Grade 3-5 programs directly align with state standards, while other elementary and middle school levels show the valuable multi-disciplinary connection of astronomy and space science content with other areas of the student's study. Grade 9-12 programming connects to their physics curriculum.

Historic facility - in 2020, during our covid-19 closure, we continued to be stewards of the buildings and grounds, including refinishing the hardwood floors in both buildings and telescope dome rooms, and other minor repairs required to maintain this national historic landmark. Also developed plans for the cataloguing, conservation and interpretation of the Observatory's collection of objects, historic books and archives.

General public - the Observatory worked with over 37,000 people in 2019, the largest number in our history who have benefited from our public outreach and youth education programming. That number dipped considerably due to the 2020 pandemic, as we closed our doors for many months, however, we were able to expand our shift to online programming by offering interactive classes, tours and programs online. Still, in 2020, we reached more than 20,000 people (10,000 people through in-person programming and 10,000 people via online learning). We provide science and history programs to educate and engage children, youth and adults with the history of the Observatory and its historical work. The Observatory hosts classes for all ages and experience levels, offering hands-on workshops for new telescope owners and those pursuing astro-photography, and monthly lecture series for in-depth advanced topics showcasing Observatory staff and outside professional educators and astronomers. Beyond our facility, the Observatory hosts stargazes at schools, nursing homes, civic organizations and other nonprofits, and city, county and state parks.