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The core mission of the Dark Skies Bright Kids (DSBK) program is to enhance science education for elementary school students. We seek to foster the natural curiosity of children by helping them to explore the Universe in a social setting with fun, hands-on activities.

Our Goals are:
1. to illustrate to students that science is a fun, creative, and exciting process;
2. to empower students to be curious and to ask questions;
3. to help students develop problem-solving skills;
4. to demonstrate that science is a viable career path chosen by many diverse individuals;
5. to nurture a sense of wonder and awe for the Universe;
6. to teach students basic astronomy concepts.


The DSBK program is currently being piloted in southern Albemarle County, VA. Southern Albemarle County enjoys nighttime skies that are among the darkest on the east coast. These dark skies are not only critical for astronomical observations, but also enable those who live in such rural areas to have a natural "classroom" in which to experience the full impact of the night sky. However, these very same rural populations also face challenging demographic realities; for example, 50% of the elementary school students in southern Albemarle County qualify for free or reduced lunch, which is a measure of their low socio-economic status.

To take full advantage of the dark skies in rural areas, the DSBK program has two main components: (i) weekly club meetings with lessons based on hands-on activities, (ii) and bi-weekly "family observing" nights using portable telescopes.

Dark Skies Bright Kids is run by volunteers from the University of Virginia. The program is led by professor Kelsey Johnson and has volunteer support from graduate and undergraduate students. These volunteers are the backbone of the program. No astronomy background is required to volunteer with the club!

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