Education

Astronomy Activation Ambassadors (AAA)

Igniting Minds, One Star at a Time!

The SETI Institute’s Astronomy Activation Ambassadors (AAA) program (2016-25) was one of more than 30 education projects funded by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate for Science Activation (SciAct). SciAct focuses on effectively engaging learners of all ages with NASA science content, expertise, and experiences.

AAA’s primary goal was to enhance student STEM learning and engagement through professional development for middle school, high school, and community college science instructors. An independent evaluation of the 2017-18 AAA program demonstrated remarkable student progress, with statistically significant student gains in standards-based learning and positive changes in attitudes toward STEM subjects & careers. The evaluation report is linked here.

AAA teacher Theresa Paulsen with students

AAA teachers and observatory personnel in the Gemini-N control room

AAA teachers Kim Abegglen and Anna-Melissa Lyons with students

AAA teachers in the IRTF telescope dome

AAA teachers in front of Lick Obs. 36-inch refractor

Lick Obs. 3-meter telescope adaptive optics laser system.

AAA teachers attending presentation at NASA JPL

AAA teachers during Sept. 2024 curriculum workshop

The NASA AAA Electromagnetic Spectrum & Multiwavelength Astronomy (EMS/MWA) curriculum is available to everyone at: NASA AAA curriculum.

Please revisit this page for updated information and announcements.

For more information, reach out to:

P.I. Coral Clark
[email protected]

Co-I Dr. Dana Backman
[email protected]

NASA SMD Cooperative Agreement NNX16AC51A funds the AAA program.

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