Cobb teachers named 2021 NASA ambassadors

The program, a professional development opportunity for teachers, is run by the SETI Institute, a research partner of NASA that explores the origins of life in the universe, according to its website. The program is designed to increase student interest in STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — subjects. It was originally offered to high school teachers, but was expanded this year to include middle school teachers and community college instructors.

Teachers accepted into the program are trained in astrophysics and planetary science. As part of the program, ambassadors participate in a week-long visit to a NASA astronomy research facility such as the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA. Once the training is complete, ambassadors teach a physical science lesson created by the SETI Institute that ties the curriculum to research conducted by NASA and the observatory.