My Story

Local Girl Scout Blasts Off with Educational Space Project

By: Justin Liggin

Drawing on her fascination for space, 18-year-old rising star Katie Prator seeks to educate students and inspire generations to learn about the cosmos through her custom educational lesson plans.

“The first time I looked through a telescope, I remember being in awe at the vastness of the universe and wanting to know more about all the possibilities it has to offer,” says Katie.

Growing up, she watched her father work at Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory and serve as a system ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“I would go to different events with him at the observatory and always knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps to try and help other kids find a passion for the universe.”

Katie’s project website, exploretheskygold.com, contains lesson plans geared toward girls in grades K-5 with customized activities for individual, group, and outdoor use. To create these lesson plans, Katie did extensive research and worked with experts at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory to find the best topics for each group.

A Girl Scout since she was in kindergarten, Katie’s hard work was all part of her becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout Awardee – the highest honor in Girl Scouting. “I have been a part of Girl Scouts my whole life and have had so many opportunities to explore the world around me. Whether it was through art, music or STEM, Girl Scouts has given me so many great memories I will cherish for my whole life,” says Katie.

Though Katie now resides in Hartford, Wisconsin, she initially began working on her project in Ahwatukee, Arizona, where it has since blasted off and reached viewers across the country.

“With my project being hosted online, it has allowed my work to be easily accessible by anyone. Overall, I hope all the resources I gathered will help people gain an interest in the world outside our own,” says Katie.