Youth

Bartian Youth Astronomers

The Youth Group of Bartlesville Astronomical Society

Established in 2016, on hiatus as of September 2023.  Interested youth are welcome to attend our regular, family-friendly Club meetings which are usually held on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the library.  Youth under age eighteen must attend with a parent or guardian.

bvilleastro@gmail.com

Mission: Use a hands-on approach of studying our universe and observing the night sky to encourage our youth to learn about a multitude of interrelated disciplines including history, art, science, and technology.

Vision: Bartian Youth Astronomers (BYA) is a group within Bartlesville Astronomical Society (BAS) that:

• Works together, with their parents and with adult BAS sponsors to develop new skills through projects, workshops, seminars, star parties and other hands-on, interactive activities.

• Awards individuals and teams for their successes.

• Encourages lifelong learning, creativity, sharing of knowledge, critical thinking and development of leadership skills, including: confidence, respect, responsibility, commitment, and communication.

• Fosters an appreciation within our community for the dark night sky, the solar system, and the universe through education and public outreach.

• HAS FUN!!!

Participation: Bartian Youth Astronomers is open to all youth ages seven through high school. For safety, children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Our goals are to provide and oversee a variety of activities in which our youth can participate at a level that they and their parents are comfortable with. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Events and Event planning – monthly get-togethers, star parties, public events, picnics, field trips, etc.

• Seminars, demonstrations, and workshops by Youth Group members, by adult BAS members, and by guests

• “Hot Topics” Interactive discussions, Current Events, and Astronomy News

• BYA “Learn & Earn” Achievement Awards and Astronomical League Awards

• Constellation(s) of the month: History, mythology, art, objects of interest, etc.

• History of Astronomy, Famous Astronomers, Astronomical Art, and Artists, Writers and Literature

• Creative exercises, Critical Thinking exercises, Art Exercises, Presentation Skills, Fun and Games

• Experiments in astronomy

• Public outreach programs (general, schools, etc.)

• Youth Equipment Loaner Program (Binoculars, telescopes, eyepieces, books, etc.)

Membership: Paid membership in BAS/BYA is not required to participate in our monthly get-togethers and public star parties. However, the benefits of paid BAS/BYA membership include:

• Ability to participate in ALL Bartian Youth Astronomers and Bartlesville Astronomical Society activities

• A BYA Name Badge and Lanyard

• A BYA Observation Notebook

• A BYA Handbook

• Ability to earn BYA “Learn & Earn” Award buttons

• Ability to earn Astronomical League Awards

These are the membership options available: 

• Students who are age seven through high school can join BAS/BYA on a family membership along with at least one adult, for a fee of $30 to $40 per year, depending on the number of people in your family who join. (This option also includes voting privileges for official BAS business.)

• Students who are age 13 through high school can join BAS/BYA on an individual student membership for $10 per year. (This option does not include voting privileges for official BAS business.)

Learn more and get a BAS/BYA membership application form.

Events: 

Monthly get-togethers of Bartian Youth Astronomers typically take place on the third Monday evening of each month at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 300 NE Madison Boulevard, Bartlesville, Oklahoma. (Map and directions.) Occasionally this schedule is altered due to holidays or other circumstances. Due to club rules, children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Setup/social time starts at 6:30 pm and the official get-together starts at 7:00 pm. Special events may also be scheduled as opportunities arise. 

Our fun and educational programs rotate through topics in observational astronomy, creativity, hands-on workshops, and science and technology. 

Our calendar and Facebook page list the details about BYA monthly get-togethers and special events.

Contact us at bartianastro@gmail.com or 918-766-9240 (voicemail).

BYA Solar Filter Workshop - 2017         BYA Ursa Major Craft Project - 2018

Notes from past BYA monthly get-togethers are available below: