Young Observers at MBO
Presenter(s): Katrina Burge
Affiliation(s): University of Melbourne; Mt Burnett Observatory
Session details: Sunday, 2026-04-04 23:30:00
Abstract
Mount Burnett Observatory has had a thriving Young Observers Program for many years. In 2025, I stepped in as the new YO coordinator and would like to share some of the strategies that have made the program an enduring success. A mixed cohort of children, roughly ages 5 to 16, meet monthly at the clubhouse. A team of volunteers delivers a structured program that allows for knowledge building, interactivity between children, hands-on learning activities, observing (when the weather graciously permits) and general mayhem. This paper will explore some of the ways we keep the project engaging, and offer suggestions for starting a YO program in your own organisation.
Biography
Dr Katrina Burge is an educator and professional editor with a background as a medieval historian, which intersects with an interest in cultural astronomy. Katrina in a committee member and coordinator of the Young Observers Program at Mt Burnett Observatory (near Melbourne).