NASA's Astro-Venture with Astrobiology**

Target Grade(s): 5-9

Overview:

Is there life out there? Searching for life in the universe requires a deep understanding of the characteristics and attributes of Earth that make our planet habitable, i.e., its Sun, tectonic plate movements, etc. Learn how scientists use physics concepts such as Keppler's Laws, the Doppler Effect, phase changes and properties of matter to search for planets in faraway galaxies that just might support life forms.

Standards-based topic areas include:

Earth & Space Science:

The Solar System, Composition of the Atmosphere, Greenhouse Gases, Ozone & UV radiation, Cycling of Matter, Convection in the Earth, Volcanoes & Plate Tectonics, Temperature & Pressure, Density

Physical Science:

Composition & Properties of Matter, Atoms & Molecules, Phase Changes, Magnetic Fields, Spectroscopy

Life Science:

Needs of Living Things, Photosynthesis & Respiration, Carbon Cycle, Food Chains, Nutrient Cycling, Extremophiles

Inquiry-based lessons help students to develop scientific thinking while considering: Is there life out there?

LIVE sessions:

Session 1: Topic: Introduction and What is Astrobiology?
-What are scientists looking for when searching for life in the universe?
-Why is Earth a special planet? What makes it habitable?
-How can studying life on Earth help us to look for life elsewhere in the universe?

Session 2: Topic: Astronomy
-What are the characteristics of Earth's solar system?
-How does Earth's solar system contribute to its habitability?
-How do scientists look for other solar systems that might support life forms?

Session 3: Topic: Atmospheric Science & Geology
-What are the characteristics of Earth's atmosphere & lithosphere?
-How do Earth's atmosphere and lithosphere help the planet to support life?
-How do scientists study the atmospheres of other planets?
-What does studying the geology of other planets tell us about their habitability?

Session 4: Topic: Biology , Design A Planet & Pedagogical Considerations
-How do Earth's life forms help the planet to support other life forms?
-Could planets and solar systems very different from our own still support life?
-How can educators bring what they have learned into their classroom setting?

Additional Study:

After the interactive sessions, participants select from a variety of assignments in order to complete the necessary hours to earn credit for the course. Assignment choices include:

• Listening to podcasts of NASA scientists describing their work in Astrobiology.
• Completing a survey of current research in the field of Astrobiology.
• Conducting additional background research on scientific topics outlined in the course.
• Writing a unit plan to include Astro-Venture elements into regular instruction.
• Implementing Astro-Venture into the classroom and assessing the impact on teaching and learning.

Participants Receive:

• Complete Educator Guide including lesson plans, links to misconception research, rubrics and other assessments, ideas for differentiation, and much more.
• A comprehensive web-based resource center on Astrobiology.

Website: