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NASA's Astronomy Activation Ambassadors Embrace Cultural Perspectives
Teacher training program connects science with history, culture, and place to inspire students
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The Astronomy Activation Ambassadors (AAA) project, part of NASA's Science Activation program, aims to enhance student STEM engagement through middle school, high school, and community college science teacher professional development. The program includes STEM immersion experiences at observatories in Hawaii and Arizona, where teachers connect astronomy and planetary science with the historical context and cultural significance of these locations.
Why it matters
By framing observatory visits around the historical and cultural importance of 'high places' like Maunakea and Kitt Peak, the AAA program helps teachers show students that science is a human endeavor shaped by diverse perspectives. Connecting science with local indigenous knowledge and spiritual traditions can inspire students to see themselves as future scientists and stewards of the land.
The details
In April 2025, 16 teachers from Hawaii gathered in Hilo for a workshop that included a visit to the summit of Maunakea. There, native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Toni Kaui explained the spiritual significance of the 'wao akua' or heavenly realm. In September 2025, 25 teachers from across the U.S. visited Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, where they learned about the long history of collaboration between the astronomy community and the local Tohono O'odham tribe.
- In April 2025, 16 teachers from Hawaii gathered in Hilo for the AAA workshop.
- In September 2025, 25 teachers from across the U.S. visited Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona.
The players
Toni Kaui
A native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and local high school teacher who spoke to the AAA participants about the spiritual significance of Maunakea.
Dr. Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan
The Tohono O'odham Education Development Liaison with the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab, who spoke to AAA participants about the long history of collaboration between the astronomy community and the Tohono O'odham tribe.
Lillian Reynolds
A middle school science teacher from Hawaii who participated in the AAA program and gained a new appreciation for the diverse roles involved in operating observatories.
Olivia Kuper
A high school science teacher from Tennessee who participated in the AAA program and emphasized the importance of teaching astronomy while respecting the land and cultural perspectives.
What they’re saying
“Standing here, we have passed through the wao kele (vah-oh kay-lay; forested uplands) and are about to enter the wao akua (vah-oh ah-koo-ah), the heavenly realm where our spirits and our elements of sacredness lie. […] This is where we come to have our spiritual connection with the mauna (mountain). In the wao akua, all of our sacred and elemental processes happen, and those processes help to determine the well-being of our 'aina (-eye-nah; homeland) down below in the wao kanaka (vah-oh kah-nah-kah; human realm) where we came from.”
— Toni Kaui, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and local high school teacher (NASA)
“The inclusion of the Indigenous history and perspectives connected to Kitt Peak was one of the most important aspects of the training for me. It reinforced the importance of teaching astronomy in ways that respect the land and the people tied to it. This approach deepened my understanding and will help my students recognize the value of cultural perspectives and historical context in scientific practice.”
— Olivia Kuper, Tennessee high school science teacher (NASA)
“I was fortunate to go to this STEM experience at Maunakea. One thing that I learned is about how many other jobs and people it takes to run all the telescopes and everything up there. I had this preconceived idea that it's mostly astronomers, PhD people that I didn't really relate to. I got to meet a lot of the technicians and other folks and that really opened my eyes to other opportunities for my students. So, that's what I'm looking forward to taking back. It made me feel hopeful that we can really increase our base of home-grown scientists here in Hawai'i.”
— Lillian Reynolds, Hawaii middle school science teacher (NASA)
What’s next
The AAA project is winding down operations after 10 years as an active part of the NASA Science Activation's collective efforts, having reached millions of learners in the U.S. and around the world.
The takeaway
By connecting science with the historical and cultural significance of observatory locations, the AAA program has helped teachers inspire students to see themselves as future scientists and stewards of the land, fostering a more diverse and inclusive STEM community.
