Students will learn about planet formation by examining our own solar system and how these basic principles apply to exoplanets (planets around other stars).
Hunting for Exoplanets
Students will learn about how astronomers look for planets around other stars, why it is so difficult to find them, and what we can learn about the properties of planets from each detection method.
Habitability
Students will learn about the features of stars and exoplanets that might promote the development of life outside of Earth.
Life
Students will learn about the biological history of Earth, how life can develop and thrive in extreme conditions, and where else in the universe life might exist.
Emerging Complex Life and Intelligence
Students will learn about the development of complex organisms on Earth and the biological processes that led to species evolving intelligence.
SETI and Cosmic Companionship
Students will learn about the possibilities of finding intelligence species on other planets, and the challenges of interplanetary and interspecies communication and exploration.