8th Grade Science

Life in Space
Borza Fall, 2014
can we live in space by the year 2020?






Space life project, Page 1
Goal

Scientists are getting closer and closer to nding planets and moons that have similar
features to Earth. In the near future, it might become possible to send people to explore
and possibly even inhabit these environments. Your job is to nd the 5 best candidates for
life in our solar system (can be planets, moons, dwarf planets, etc) and demonstrate with
evidence what makes them good environments for life. All decisions must include a
viewpoint from each of the 4 categories: Earth/Space Science, Biology, Chemistry & Technology/
Engineering. You and your group mates must work together to come to a nal decision:
Where can we live in space by the year 2020?
8th Grade Science
Life in Space
Borza Fall, 2014
Biology: ex. What will the human body experience while in space? What
obstacles will we have to overcome? How can we grow food? Will we nd other life
forms?
Earth/Space Science: ex. Compare the conditions on different planets and
moons. What do the atmospheres of different planets have in common?
Chemistry: ex. What elements can de found on different planets? How can
these be used to help us survive?
Engineering/Technology: ex. What equipment will we need to design to allow
us to survive in space? How long will the journey be to the chosen planets/moons?
Assignment:
Collect information on 5 planetary bodies (planets, moons, dwarf planets,
etc) in or solar system that you believe to have the potential to support life.
Create a convincing argument for each of these planets/moons by
describing them in detail from the viewpoint of each of the 4 subjects above and
comparing them to the conditions found on Earth.
Each group must present their ndings to the class describing the groups
decision for which planetary body has the greatest possibility for life and showing
all evidence. Presentations can be a video or live in front of the class. Students will
have to answer questions in class for classmates.
Standards:
S.IA.17.13 Communicate and defend ndings of observations and investigations. S.RS.07.11
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, and data. S.RS.07.15 Demonstrate
scientic concepts through various illustrations, performances, models, exhibits, and activities. S.RS.
07.16 Design solutions to problems using technology. S.RS.07.19 Describe how science and
technology have advanced because of the contributions of many people throughout history and
across cultures.
Space life project, Page 2