At a Glance: ARISE
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The search for life in the universe is among the most exciting frontiers in modern science. Global surveys of science education have shown that the search for life beyond Earth is among the most engaging STEM topics for students worldwide, uniting them across nationalities and genders. However, many classrooms, especially at non-research institutions where nearly half of all students first encounter astronomy, often face limited resources when it comes to teaching advanced, hands-on science, such as SETI – the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Moreover, the search for life in the universe brings together many different areas of science and technology, from astronomy to engineering, signal processing, data science, and much more.
In an effort to bring the excitement of these topics into classrooms around the country, the SETI Institute’s ARISE project gives instructors the tools they need to bring engaging, hands-on science into their classrooms. ARISE provides a suite of free, open-access classroom materials and resources that educators can easily integrate into existing courses..
The ARISE curriculum includes an ever-growing selection of fully developed, hands-on resources that utilize SETI as a gateway to teach topics such as radio astronomy, signal processing, digital communications, and more. Each lab includes a lab manual, instructor guide, and pre-lab preparation materials that instructors can use on their own or combine with their own lectures. Modules are complete teaching packages, typically comprising three lectures and a lab, and include lab manuals, lecture notes and slides, instructor notes, pre-lab readings, and supplementary teaching resources. Designed with flexibility in mind, the ARISE curriculum allows instructors, even those without a background in the lab topics, to confidently integrate real telescope data, modern tools, and engaging activities into their courses. Original materials are available upon request, providing instructors with the flexibility to adapt them to their classroom’s unique needs and goals.
The Allen Telescope Array (ATA) is a world-class radio observatory made up of 42 separate 20-ft radio telescopes at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory in northern California. Famous for being the world's only radio observatory designed specifically for SETI, the ATA is actively searching the universe for signs of intelligent life, as well as performing cutting-edge astronomical research. Through the ARISE project, students and instructors can access one of the radio telescopes for conducting real-time observations. Using simple control systems and software, students can easily control the telescope and stream live data to their own computer, with no prior experience or training required.
ARISE offers opportunities for direct collaboration with the scientists and educators who developed the curriculum. Instructors can partner with members of the ARISE team for guest lectures or co-teaching sessions, either virtually or during visits to your campus at no charge. This support helps bring additional expertise into the classroom and provides students the opportunity to interact with practicing scientists.
To ensure that cost is never a barrier, ARISE also provides all required lab equipment free of charge, and the instructor can keep it. This equipment includes software defined radios, satellite antennas, access to live observations with the ATA, and more. Instructors can request equipment for use in their courses, and materials can be shipped directly to participating colleges. By removing logistical and financial obstacles, ARISE makes it possible for any classroom to engage in real science and hands-on exploration of SETI and radio astronomy.
ARISE hosts workshops designed to introduce instructors to the curriculum and provide training on how to bring SETI and radio astronomy into their classrooms. These sessions are for educators at all levels of experience, including those without a background in radio science. Workshops include guided practice with the teaching materials, hands-on demonstrations using software such as GNU Radio and Python, and opportunities to explore how instructors can adapt the labs for different courses. Instructors also gain experience using the Allen Telescope Array for live observations. The program fully funds travel and lodging for participants selected for the in-person workshops.
The program offers virtual workshops monthly and in-person workshops at the Allen Telescope Array twice a year. These gatherings allow instructors to connect with fellow educators, share effective teaching approaches, and learn directly from scientists and educators involved in developing ARISE. To receive updates about upcoming workshops and opportunities, sign up for the ARISE email list and Slack channel, and keep an eye on the events page of the ARISE website.
ARISE
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