The Arecibo Observatory also hosts a STAR for Teachers program where participants receive professional development in the field of science, with the purpose of preparing teachers so that they are able to provide hands-on activities that facilitate, promote, and strengthen the learning experience of students in the STEM classroom.
![]() |
Program OutcomesPre-College Research ExperienceThe program develops on solid foundations of science, physics, mathematics, and engineering, but no previous background is assumed. Coding skills are developed through the program with the purpose of data analysis. Students are expected to be engaged in a classroom focused on promoting an environment of critical thinking and problem solving through the scientific method, with the main focus of providing a pre-college research experience to all students. |
Opportunities for StudentsOutreach and Scientific CommunicationAs part of the program, once a year, one of the members of the STAR Team and a selected STAR participant will travel to attend either the annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference or the AAS Division of Planetary Sciences Conference, or related conference or workshop, to present and participate in the engagement effort, disseminate program results, and present the results of the programmed evaluations. The STAR staff will select the student at their discretion, taking into consideration a variety of factors. |
![]() |
The Angel Ramos Foundation Science and Visitor Center at the Arecibo Observatory (ARFSVC) has been focused in internationally disseminating the importance of the Arecibo Observatory and the science that is done here with the second largest and most powerful radio telescope in the world. Through the years ARFSVC has been in charge of communicating to the public audiences, including students, educators, the media, and the public, about our importance as a science and research facility. The STAR Academy is funded as a part of NASA's Near-Earth Objects Observation program grant for the Arecibo Observatory planetary radar program awarded to the University of Central Florida. The program is administered by Universidad Ana G. Méndez.
Applications for the Spring 2021 semester are open until January 11th, 2021. Early application is highly encouraged. Before you start your application, please read the Application Instructions for Students Section.