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Weather Watching at Great Blue Hill Tour the Observatory using a study guide and learn about weather instruments and how observers record and analyze the weather. Cost: $50, plus $1.50 per student and $3.00 per adult. Maximum group size is 60 students with one chaperone for each 6 to 8 students (no charge for chaperones). Time: about 75 minutes Kite-Making Workshops Design, build and fly your own kite! Travel with a guide through the history of kites and their use at the Observatory. Cost: $75, plus materials ($1.00 to $75 per kite depending on style) Time: 30 to 90 minutes Windy Weather Make wind catchers and explore the wind with a guided tour of the Observatory. Cost: $75, plus materials ($1.00 to $10 per student depending on activity) Time: about 60 minutes Guided Hikes Trek through the Blue Hills and learn about your environment. Cost: $35 per guide, plus $1.50 per student and $3.00 per adult. Maximum group size is 24 students with one chaperone for each 6 to 10 students (no charge for chaperones). Time: about 45 minutes Sky Art and Photography Learn to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the sky using scientific knowledge and how to capture sky images with photography. Cost: Two half-day sessions at $120 each day plus materials Weather Forecasting How do meteorologists make weather forecasts? Learn from the experts in a forecasting workshop. Cost: $50, plus $1.50 per student and $3.00 per adult. Maximum group size is 20 students with one chaperone for each 6 to 8 students (no charge for chaperones). Time: about 90 minutes Balloon Launch Track and learn properties of the wind with bio-degradable balloons. Cost: $30, plus $1 per balloon Time: 20 to 30 minutes Observatory Exploration See the Observatory in action. Discover the tools used by Blue Hill meteorologists since 1885 on a detailed tour. Cost: $35, plus $1.50 per student and $3.00 per adult. Maximum group size is 20 students with one chaperone for each 6 to 8 students (no charge for chaperones). Time: about 45 minutes The Math of Meteorology How do you find the average wind speed, temperature range and relative humidity? Use math skills to learn about the weather. Cost: $50, plus $1.50 per student and $3.00 per adult. Maximum group size is 60 students with one chaperone for each 6 to 8 students (no charge for chaperones). Time: about 75 minutes Custom Weather Programs Interested in another weather topic? The Observatory staff can organize a workshop especially for your group! Cost: $60 first hour, $30 each subsequent hour, plus $1.50 per student and $3.00 per adult. Maximum group size is 60 students with one chaperone for each 6 to 8 students (no charge for chaperones). Most of the programs above can be held at your school or at the Observatory Science Center. Programs can be combined and adapted to your needs. Prices for all programs can be modified based on combination discounts, multiple program discounts, or surcharges for special needs or extended programming. Program Goals The program, funded by the Anna B. Stearns Foundation, is designed to improve self-confidence in adolescent females and to inspire them to pursue careers in math and science. It features hands-on, project-based activities in several areas of natural science including meteorology, astronomy, geology and oceanography. Observatory Science Center Activities Observing the Weather on Great Blue Hill Kite Making and Kite Flying Writing a Nature Journal Blue Hill Geology (Each half-day program is offered after school or on Saturdays) Observatory Outreach Activities Understanding the Atmosphere Cloud Journals and Weather Forecasting Using Computers to Study the Weather (Programs can be held at the Observatory or at your school) Special Field Trips TV Weather Forecasting Oceanography in Boston Harbor Deep in the Sky-Astronomy Made Real Briarwood Marine Biology Camp Nantucket and the Stars Public Tours Times: February-November, Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM; Year-Round, By Appointment; Admission: $4 adults, $2 for ages 5-17, free for children under 5. Group Tours Times: By Appointment Admission: Group rates are available Nearby Attractions Blue Hills Reservation Trailside Museum (near the Blue Hill ski area on Route 138 in Milton) (Contact Don McCasland here for more information or to make reservations.) Blue Hill Observatory has undergone a remarkable transformation into a weather museum and Science Center. With the entire restoration funded by a grant from the Metropolitan District Commission, this National Historic Landmark has now taken on an expanded mission. In addition to our long-term climate observations, we now offer educational programs that focus on increasing understanding of atmospheric science for students and the general public. The new Blue Hill Observatory Science Center opened its doors to the public in January of 1999. Since that time the Science Center has conducted a variety of weather related programs for thousands of visitors. We are pleased to host school groups, scouts, adult organizations, businesses, families and individuals every day of the year. Our programs cater to each group's interests and level of understanding. The Science Center also provides outreach programs, teacher workshops, computer classes, and many more activities. In addition, the Science Center, with funding from the Anna B. Stearns Foundation, offers a three-year program in natural science for adolescent females (WINS-Women in Natural Science). Blue Hill Observatory is a private, non-profit, membership supported organization. |