Description

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Abstract:

The science of astrobiology is concerned with the question of whether or not life exists on other planets. This educator's guide presents eight activities in which younger students investigate this question and explore topics related to the search for life beyond their own planet by using some of the same strategies that astrobiologists use. They will express their opinions on the existence of alien life in a survey, compare living to non-living objects, investigate the observable characteristics of living things, and learn about the conditions necessary for living things to survive. They will expand their thinking to consider microbes as living things, and match recently discovered life forms with the extreme environments in which they live. Then the students will examine images of planets, moons, and the sun, read about the environmental conditions on each, and try to decide if any of these bodies might support life. In a final activity, they will revisit their ideas, repeat the survey of the opening activity, and look for information and evidence that influenced their current opinions.

UCAR Staff Abstract:

This product consists of eight astrobiology after-school activities, each of which may be completed in about one hour. The science of astrobiology is concerned with the question of whether or not life exists on other planets. These activities were adapted for use in afterschool programs with ages 5-12. A Astrobiology: Science Learning Activities for Afterschool was produced by the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) as a part of a 18 month study and demonstration project funded by NASA.

NASA Abstract:

This collection of activities presents learners with intriguing questions about the universe and provides an opportunity to explore topics related to the search for life beyond our own planet. The collection includes eight existing classroom activities that have been adapted for after school school settings. Each activity can be completed in one hour, however some activities require advance preparation. The activities also require materials that may need to be gathered by the instructor. However, these include commonly available supplies. The activities in this collection are targeted for 5-12 year olds. Separate instructions for the different age groups are provided as appropriate.

Subject:

History, Law, Politics, Life Science, Chemistry, Geoscience, Physics, Space Science

Level:

Middle School, Career / Technical

Material Type:

Activity/Lab, Interactive, Lesson Plan, Reading

Provider:

NASA

Provider Set:

NASA Wavelength

Date Added:

02/16/2011