Implementing Astrobiology into the Middle School Classroom

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MIT Center For Space Research
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Implementing Astrobiology into the Middle School
Classroom !

• Julie A OLoughlin
• February 28th, 2004
• Dr. Porro

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Connecting Astrobiology to the State Frame Works !

• gtMA DOE 6-8 Life Science Learning Standards
• gtRecognize that all organisms are composed of
  cells, and that many organisms are single-celled
  (unicellular) e.g. Bacteria, yeast.
• gtIn these single-celled organisms, one must carry
  out all the basic functions of life.

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Introduction !

• gtWhat do you think of when you hear the word
  Astrobiology?
• gtWhat is Astrobiology?
• gtWhy is Astrobiology important ?
• gtGoing to do an experiment that is the foundation
  of what scientists are looking for. Life.
• gtWhat forms of life are there? Is there only one?
• gtDoes looking for life mean looking for little
  Green Men?

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The Making of an Aha Moment !

• Activity entitled The Nature of Life
• Mystery Jars What is life?
• What makes something living or Non-living?

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Results !

• What do you think makes something living or
  non-living?
• Is this the same type of life that we are looking
  for in space? Could it possibly exist in space?

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Discussion !

• Scientists are looking for the same type of
  bacteria in space, to show evidence of life.
• Not looking for Little Green men, but bacteria.

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Assessment !

• Mini presentations by students on the question
  What is Astrobiology? and Does life exist on
  other planets?
• What makes something living vs. non-living?

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Future Work !

• Taking students to next level
• gt What evidence of bacteria have we found on
  other planets?
• Literature in the classroom
• Visit to Harvard-Smithsonian Center for
  Astrophysics

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Astrobiology is important for the Scientists of
the Near Future !
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Astrobiology Is Important For The Future
Scientists Too !