Igniting Minds, One Star at a Time!
In 2015, the SETI Institute’s Astronomy Activation Ambassadors (AAA) program was selected as one of 27 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 is to measurably enhance student STEM achievement and engagement through professional development training for middle school, high school, and community college science instructors. An independent evaluation of the 2017-2018 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.
The NASA AAA Electromagnetic Spectrum & Multi-wavelength Astronomy (EMS/MWA) curriculum is available to everyone at https://www.seti.org/curricula.
The AAA program is transforming in the 2024-2025 calendar years to implement an Astronomy Academy for teacher professional development with virtual and in-person opportunities. Educators and administrators can register to receive program announcements and participate in professional development opportunities at:
https://forms.gle/G34vCzz63ko5RRrM8
Please revisit this page for updated information and announcements.
For more information, reach out to:
Dr. Dana E. Backman dbackman@seti.org
Coral Clark cclark@seti.org
NASA SMD Cooperative Agreement NNX16AC51A funds the AAA program.