Living in the Solar System

This page was developed as part of the NASA-funded Sustainable Trainer Engagement Program by LPI
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Standards

7 (9) Earth and space. The student knows components of our solar system. The student is expected to:

• (A) analyze the characteristics of objects in our solar system that allow life to exist such as the proximity of the Sun, presence of water, and composition of the atmosphere; and
• (B) identify the accommodations, considering the characteristics of our solar system, that enabled manned space exploration.

6 (11) Earth and space. The student understands the organization of our solar system and the relationships among the various bodies that comprise it. The student is expected to:

• (A) describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, Galilean moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets;
• (C) describe the history and future of space exploration, including the types of equipment and transportation needed for space travel.

Activities

Astrobiology: characteristics that allow life to exist:

• Sorting the Solar System
  Students explore some of the different objects in the Solar System and create their own categories for them. They then have a discussion about what categories scientists currently assign to each object.
• What Makes a World Habitable
  Students examine cards with information about different objects in the Solar System and determine whether conditions exist for life. This activity is the third in the astrobiology educator guide “Life on Earth… and elsewhere?”
• Looking for Life/ Is it Alive
  Students examine three different “soil samples” to determine which has evidence of life.
• Space Exploration: accommodations that enable human space exploration
  Explore: Health in Space (Beans in Space, Sponge Spool Spine, Measure Up)

Resources

• Some Astrobiology Websites
• Some Astrobiology presentations
• Notes from STEP discussions, including Meredith’s song about life