The Life in the Universe Series

Abstract

Students, young and old, find the existence of extraterrestrial life one of the most intriguing of all science topics. The theme of searching for life in the universe lends itself naturally to the integration of many scientific disciplines for thematic science education. Based upon the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), the Life in the Universe (LITU) curriculum project at the SETI Institute developed a series of six teachers guides, with ancillary materials, for use in elementary and middle school classrooms, grades 3 through 9. Lessons address topics such as the formation of planetary systems, the origin and nature of life, the rise of intelligence and culture, spectroscopy, scales of distance and size, communication and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Each guide is structured to present a challenge as the students work through the lessons. The six LITU teachers guides may be used individually or as a multi-grade curriculum for a school. Integral to the development process was the collection of evaluation data on draft materials from field test teachers, students, and scientists. These data led to revisions and further field tests. Responses indicate that the objectives for the materials were achieved, and that the materials were well received. The LITU project was conducted by the SETI Institute in Mountain View, CA; the project was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The LITU Series is being published by Teachers Ideas Press, a division of Libraries Unlimited, Englewood, Colorado, USA.