Family Space Day Overview - Astrobiology
Family Space Day is a three hour event. The activities are set up so that children
and parents can select the order in which they undertake activities. Parents and
children are encouraged to learn, play, and explore together.
Objectives of the Day
Children will:
- learn what is necessary to sustain life in our solar system.
- learn where in our solar system the conditions necessary for life exist – or
existed
- learn how Earth has changed since its formation 4.56 billion years ago.
Activities
- Station 1: Astrobiology Poster Information
Children and their parents view 10 posters to build an understanding of life’s
needs, the extreme conditions in which live thrives on Earth, and the search
for life on other planets.
- Station 2: What Life Needs Memory Card Game
Children and their parents consider what is necessary to sustain life in the
solar system. Children use a simple memory game to determine if life is
possible in other places in our solar system.
- Station 3: Make a Critter
Children create, using various craft items, a life form (extremophile) from
either Mars or Europa. Children and parents explore the challenges and
resources their extremophile may encounter on the planetary body they
have chosen.
- Station 4: Earth’s Life Timeline
Children and their parents discover how the Earth has changed and how life
has evolved since Earth formed over 4 billion years ago!
- Station 5: Coloring Sheets and Games
Children relax and color and play simple games related to astrobiology.
- Station 6: Reading Room
Children and their parents browse and read a selection of books about
astrobiology (refer to book list for suggested reading).
Other Materials
Facilitator Information – Astrobiology
Explore Astrobiology – Book and Website References
All About Astrobiology – An Astrobiology Fact Sheet
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