Astronomy Activation Ambassadors Project Concludes After 10 Years of STEM Engagement
The Astronomy Activation Ambassadors (AAA) project, a component of the NASA Science Activation program, aimed to increase student STEM engagement through professional development for middle school, high school, and community college science teachers. Participants utilized NASA resources and subject matter experts to improve their teaching and share astronomy and planetary science with students. A key part of the AAA professional development involved STEM immersion experiences, including guided observatory tours.
These observatory visits provided opportunities to connect science with history, culture, and place.
Framing visits with historical astronomy contexts and the cultural significance of 'high places' helped teachers perceive science as a human activity influenced by diverse voices.
The universal human interest in the sky for meaning and knowledge, combined with the spiritual, cultural, and historical importance of mountain peaks for local communities, could be conveyed to students.
Immersive Experiences in Hawaii
AAA STEM immersion experiences occurred in Hilo, Hawaii, in April 2025. On April 12-13, 16 teachers from Hawaii participated in Hilo. The agenda included a hands-on electromagnetic spectrum and multiwavelength astronomy curriculum workshop, presentations by subject matter experts on astronomy research, native Hawaiian perspectives on Maunakea, and a visit to the Maunakea summit. Teachers reported appreciation for the summit visit and discussed integrating this content into their teaching.
During the ascent of Maunakea, the tour paused at the mid-level Onizuka Visitors Center. Toni Kaui, a local high school teacher and native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, addressed the group.
She described passing through the wao kele (forested uplands) and entering the wao akua (heavenly realm), a place for spiritual connection with the mauna (mountain) where sacred and elemental processes occur, influencing the well-being of the 'aina (homeland) in the wao kanaka (human realm) below.
The Maunakea visit was documented by the NASA Science Activation program's Infiniscope team, who collaborated with AAA to produce a virtual tour. This tour highlights both native Hawaiian and scientific researcher respect for the mountain and will be available in the Infiniscope library for a global audience.
Immersive Experiences in Arizona
The final AAA program workshop and STEM immersion experience took place on September 13-14, involving 25 teachers from across the U.S. at the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, and at Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Kitt Peak National Observatory is situated on the land of the Tohono O'odham Native American tribe, who refer to Kitt Peak as I'oligam Du'ag (Manzanita Shrub Mountain). Dr. Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan, Tohono Oʼodham Education Development Liaison with NOIRLab, spoke to participants about the ongoing collaboration between local indigenous authorities and organizations developing astronomy facilities on the mountain. She noted that the lease agreement between the Tohono O'odham nation and the NSF is perpetual, provided the mountain is used for astronomical study, research, and education. Teachers reportedly extended their scheduled lunch break to allow for more time with Dr. Ramon-Sauberan's presentation.
A Decade of Impact and Outreach
The AAA project is completing its operations after 10 years as part of NASA Science Activation. By the end of 2025, SciAct projects had reached millions of learners globally through web content, public events, and educational resources. The AAA project alone involved 780 teacher participants across 46 U.S. states and 10 countries, with 420 teachers having experienced STEM immersion, including flights on NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) or visits to ground-based observatories. An estimated 70,000 students nationwide have been influenced by AAA educators.
Teachers Share Their Experiences
Lillian Reynolds, a middle school science teacher from Hawai'i, commented on her Maunakea STEM experience, stating that she learned about the variety of jobs and people involved in running telescopes, which differed from her previous perception of it being mostly astronomers. She reported meeting technicians and other personnel, which expanded her understanding of opportunities for her students and fostered hope for increasing local scientists in Hawai'i.
Olivia Kuper, a high school science teacher from Tennessee, noted that the inclusion of Indigenous history and perspectives related to Kitt Peak was a significant aspect of her training.
She stated that this reinforced the importance of teaching astronomy with respect for the land and its associated peoples, deepening her understanding and assisting her students in recognizing the value of cultural perspectives and historical context in scientific practice.