Education and community
At the summit, students work alongside scientists, real instruments, and one of the world’s longest climate records. They learn how knowledge is built: how to observe, measure, examine evidence, and tell credible science from unsupported claims.
Visitors to the summit each year.
Students and educators reached by our STEM programs each year.
Applications to Launch Your Meteorology Career in 2026, a record for the program.
States represented among this year’s Launch Your Meteorology Career students.
K–12 programs
Students step into the role of scientists and answer one question: how is our local environment changing over time? In the Mish Michaels Exhibit Hall, now a flexible classroom, they take part in Weather Watching, Kite Making, Guided Hikes, and the Hilltop Temperature Trends Investigation.
We serve public districts, independent and Montessori schools, and homeschool groups, at the Observatory and in their own classrooms.
For every age
A career intensive led by meteorologist Tim Kelley. Students practice observing and on-camera forecasting and visit the National Weather Service.
Blue Hills Nature Academy camps and school-break programs bring young people outdoors and onto the summit.
The free monthly Observatory Salon and our annual Climate & Weather Conference bring scientists, forecasters, and the public together.
Self-guided tours and a pilot of weekday public access opened the summit to more families, hikers, and school groups.
Café 635 and Open Mic nights in the courtyard bring new audiences to a National Historic Landmark.
Live webcams and a redesigned website open the summit to anyone, anywhere.
What we measure
Teachers and students complete a survey after every program, built around clear goals: standards alignment, data literacy, climate understanding, and exposure to STEM careers. Launch Your Meteorology Career students also rate their skills before and after the week.
From our teacher surveys, fall 2024 to fall 2025
Said the trip met standards they teach.
Said students analyzed authentic data and drew conclusions.
Said students learned from someone with a STEM career.
Called it unique, not something students could experience elsewhere.
Schools from Brookline, Watertown and Southeastern Massachusetts return year after year. One brought about 71 students back in 2026 after its first visit the year before.
Student self-ratings before and after the program, 1 to 5 scale. Summer 2025: 16 students. Summer 2026: 18 students from 12 states, grades 8 to 12.
2025: reading weather maps and forecast discussions. 15 of 16 students improved.
2025: familiarity with weather instruments. 14 of 16 improved.
2026: confidence forecasting the weather. 15 of 18 improved and none declined.
2025: said they did the work real meteorologists do.
Gains in both years show the program works consistently, not just once.
“It’s local, it’s historically significant, it’s welcoming, it’s well staffed, and a pleasure.”
“Last week when I was introducing air pressure, I mentioned the room with the barometers they’d visited at the observatory, and they all lit up.”
“By the end of the lesson, students were left with more questions than answers, an authentic reflection of what science truly is.”
“Blue Hill has strengthened my knowledge in meteorology and has helped me think about what I will do for my future career.”
“It was the best field trip I’ve had at this school!”
“None of my current or future career plans would have been possible without Blue Hill Observatory.”
A gift of any size helps a young person stand where 141 years of observers have stood.
Monthly Skymail, event announcements, and research summaries.
