In science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, PARI fills a vital role for students from kindergarten through the 12^th grade because we can make learning fun.  Our nontraditional, inquiry-based, hands-on programs literally take education out of the classroom.  At PARI, students learn science by doing science.  As a result of their work at PARI, students are excited by science and many begin to seriously consider careers in science and technology. 

Among our more popular programs are:

• StarLab, a portable planetarium that takes astronomy programs to schools and other venues throughout the region.  Areas of study are designed for various grade levels and include Shapes and Patterns in the Sky, The Reason for the Seasons, Stars of Lewis and Clark, Realm of the Planets, and Motions in the Sky. Presented by a PARI astronomer/educator, StarLab programs to date have been viewed by more than 40,000 people.
• ROBOTS, a statewide program designed to encourage an interest in science among 6^th grade minority and underrepresented students.  PARI collaborates with the North Carolina Math and Science Education Network and the University of North Carolina to present teacher workshops and to provide a summer experience for students at seven college campuses.  Students learn to remotely control PARI telescopes via the Internet, build robots and participate in a symposium hosted on the PARI campus.
• Space Science Lab, (SSL) an unprecedented opportunity for high school students to be part of an authentic science research effort and participate in global effort to study the Sun.  Students reside at PARI for a week during the summer to begin their solar research using optical and radio telescopes.  The students continue their participation throughout the academic year by using the telescopes remotely. 
• School of Galactic Radio Astronomy (SGRA), a grade 8-12 radio astronomy lab that allows students to access a PARI radio telescope and conduct experiments via the Internet.  Teachers attend a workshop to learn the science of radio astronomy and how to use “Smiley,” PARI’s 4.6 meter (15ft) radio telescope.  About 200 teachers have been certified and they have used Smiley to benefit more than 3,000 students, some as far away as Australia.
• Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP), an on-campus intensive learning experience for talented high school students, conducted each summer at PARI.
• HomeSchool Day, an on-campus experience for students being schooled at home.  Morning and afternoon sessions include age-appropriate astronomy workshops and a program in the StarLab planetarium.  PARI is currently working with a network of statewide homeschoolers to determine additional ways we can serve this important segment of K-12 students.