University of Pittsburgh® Allegheny Observatory
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Student T-shirts: A point of pride for astronomy enthusiasts
Allegheny Observatory opens in new window at University of Pittsburgh is a historic astronomical research, education and public outreach facility. With a history dating back more than 165 years, it’s one of the country’s oldest astronomical institutions, and it continues to be a hub for student experiences.
Allegheny Observers is a teen club overseen by the observatory outreach program. The group has seen remarkable growth over a short time. It now includes about 35 eighth through 12th grade students representing 20 school districts. “The club is only three years old,” said Kerry Dorinda Handron, outreach coordinator. “The first year we had six people. The second year we had 18. Now we’re up to about 35.”
Sharing a love of science
The student club—consisting of teens interested in physics, astrophysics and related engineering—tackles science projects, presents in a variety of public forums, attends lectures, conducts outreach to younger children and takes field trips. Many activities revolve around the observatory’s 24-inch reflector telescope, and some of the project work is in collaboration with graduate students from University of Pittsburgh or nearby Carnegie Mellon University.
“One of the club components is sharing your love of science with other communities,” Handron said. “We put on open house events for kindergarten through fifth grade and the teens run many of the stations. So somebody has a giant pendulum and somebody has spectroscopy glasses, and the younger audiences move through the stations and are inspired by the teens’ love of science.”
Logoed student T-shirts give the brand a boost
A one by one grant provided branded shirts opens in new window for the Allegheny Observers. The student T-shirts are worn during gatherings at the observatory, whether a guest lecture or a public open house. When the teens are running an event, the shirts add a layer of professionalism and legitimacy. When students attend an event or go out in the community, the shirts—worn with pride—help promote the club.
“Not only are the students learning science and science communication,” Handron said, “they’re also learning leadership skills.” The students took charge in creating designs for the shirts, voting on their favorites, choosing a color and organizing the sizes needed.
A note from Cheryl
In three years, the Allegheny Observers club has grown rapidly—a testament to the education and experiences it offers to members. We were thrilled to provide student T-shirts to promote the program and help teens proudly represent the club. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com opens in new window.
For more information about University of Pittsburgh® Allegheny Observatory, please visit https://www.observatory.pitt.edu/ opens in new window