Investigations and Other Activities

International Space Station Will we travel to another life capable planet? Photo credit NASA

Activities leading up to the ultimate mission may include but are not limited to:

1. WebQuest

2. Guest Speakers

Astronomer
Astrobiologist
Theologian
Biomes specialist

3. Field Trips

Physics Day @ Indiana University
Observatory tour
Telescope observation evening
Visit local biomes

4. Research (Library, Internet, Expert in the Field etc.)

5. Brainstorming Activities Prior to Guest Speakers

Students, your ultimate mission, which you will decide to accept, is the following:

1. Student teams will select an area to search for potential life or the possibility of intelligent life. This can be a planet in our solar system, a moon of a planet, known planets of other stars, potential planets of other stars, the possibility of life in our galaxy or the possibility of life in the Universe. It has to be off the Earth but must conform to the existing biomes found on Earth. You will prepare a PowerPoint presentation that gives the criteria of your research and the results you have determined. It is to be 8 -10 minutes in length and conform to the rubric.

2. Tomorrow there will be a sign-up sheet to put down your choice. You will be randomly selected to list your area so select several in case yours is gone when it is your turn.

Teachers, this is a sample general timeline for this entire unit.

9/10 -10/20 At least one guest speaker/ field trip

11/20 - 12/7 WebQuest Choose 8-10 days for students to work on project during class time. The remainder of the time regular classroom instruction will go continue.

12/15-12/20 Presentations