Astronomy Ambassadors Embrace Diverse Perspectives

NASA's Astronomy Activation Ambassadors program connects teachers with observatory visits and indigenous knowledge.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Astronomy Activation Ambassadors (AAA) project, part of the NASA Science Activation program, aims to enhance student STEM engagement through middle school, high school, and community college science teacher professional development. AAA participants use NASA resources and subject matter experts to share their excitement about astronomy and planetary science with students. An important component is STEM immersion experiences, including guided tours of working observatories that connect science with history, culture, and place.

Why it matters

By framing observatory visits around the historical context of astronomy and the cultural significance of "high places" for local communities, the AAA program helps students see science as a human endeavor shaped by diverse perspectives. Connecting with indigenous knowledge and practices enriches the teaching of astronomy and planetary science.

The details

In April and September 2025, AAA STEM immersion experiences took place in Hilo, Hawaii, and Tucson, Arizona. In Hilo, 16 teachers from across Hawaii gathered for a workshop, expert presentations, and a visit to the summit of Maunakea. On the way up, local high school teacher and native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Toni Kaui spoke about the spiritual significance of the "heavenly realm" of the mountain. In Tucson, 25 teachers from across the U.S. visited the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab headquarters and Kitt Peak National Observatory, located on the land of the Tohono O'odham tribe.

  • In April 2025, the AAA STEM immersion experience took place in Hilo, Hawaii.
  • In September 2025, the AAA STEM immersion experience took place in Tucson, Arizona.

The players

Astronomy Activation Ambassadors (AAA)

A project part of the NASA Science Activation program that aims to enhance student STEM engagement through teacher professional development.

Toni Kaui

A local high school teacher and native Hawaiian cultural practitioner 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 NOIRLab, who spoke to the AAA participants about the long history of collaboration between indigenous authorities and astronomy organizations on Kitt Peak.

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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, Local high school teacher and native Hawaiian cultural practitioner (Mirage News)

“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 (Mirage News)

The takeaway

The AAA program's efforts to connect teachers with indigenous knowledge and cultural perspectives on astronomy and "high places" demonstrates the value of embracing diverse viewpoints in STEM education. By respecting the land and people tied to observatories, the program enriches the teaching of astronomy and inspires the next generation of scientists.