Supporting Free STEAM Education Through Ritchie Observatory Programs
At the Ritchie Observatory, located in Battle Point Park on Bainbridge Island, we believe the next generation of innovators, scientists, and creators are sitting in today’s classrooms. The goal of the STEAM initiative is to ignite their passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) by offering unique, hands-on learning experiences that combine the wonders of the night sky with both technical and creative exploration—at no cost to Kitsap schools.
Why STEAM Education Matters:
• STEAM education not only fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation but also emphasizes creativity and design. • By blending the arts with STEM, we equip students with a well-rounded skill set needed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. • Too many schools lack the resources to provide engaging STEAM programs that are both accessible and enriching.
Our Solution: Free Access to the Observatory’s STEAM Programs
Through this fundraising campaign, we aim to raise enough funds so that schools can access all our observatory programs for free. This includes access to the planetarium, rooftop telescope, and a wide variety of programs.
We want every student, regardless of their school’s budget or resources, to experience the magic of science and art under the stars. Here’s how we will make a lasting impact:
1. In-School and After-School Programs:
We will partner with schools to offer fully funded stargazing sessions, astronomy workshops, and STEAM modules that combine science with artistic creativity. Students will not only explore physics, math, and technology, but also express their understanding through art forms such as astrophotography, drawing, or digital design.
2. Free Field Trips and Virtual Learning:
Schools will be able to bring students to our observatory free of charge, where they can use professional astronomical equipment, participate in real-world scientific research, and blend their discoveries with creative projects. For schools that can’t visit in person, we will offer free virtual tours and remote access to telescopes, making sure every student can join.
3. Teacher Training and Support at No Cost:
We will provide free professional development workshops for teachers, helping them integrate STEAM concepts into their curriculum. With our support, educators can enrich their classrooms with both scientific inquiry and artistic expression, ensuring long-term benefits for students.
4. Expanding Access to Underserved Communities:
Our free programs will prioritize schools in underserved and underrepresented communities, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can experience both the technical and creative sides of space exploration. By sparking interest in STEAM, we can inspire students to dream big and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and beyond.
How Your Support Can Help:
This campaign will make it possible for schools to access our STEAM programs at no cost, allowing thousands of students to benefit from these enriching experiences without financial barriers. Your donation will fund program development, field trips, virtual tours, and teacher training while maintaining the equipment and technology needed to make these opportunities possible.
With your help, we can inspire the next generation of scientists, artists, and innovators— encouraging them to explore the universe with both their minds and their imaginations. Together, we can ensure that every school can access our programs, regardless of budget.
Thank you for your generosity and commitment to shaping the future of STEAM education.
Click here to see a talk by artist-in-residence Deborah Milton given at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
Click here to see a short immersive video about the observatory and the Battle Point Astronomical Association.
Click here to see incredible drone footage of BPAA’s recent observatory projects.
Frank Petrie
President
Battle Point Astronomical Society