Brief Description
Students explore information about the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and stage a debate about the existence of life on other planets.
Objectives
Students extend their skills to evaluate data, separate fact from opinion, and form an opinion based on available information.
Keywords
SETI, extraterrestrial intelligence
Materials Needed
Computer with Internet access, Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)
Lesson Plan
- Pose the following question to students: Does intelligent life exist beyond Earth? Discuss their responses as a group.
- Have students explore some of the pages at Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), especially the sections The Cosmic Black Cat in a Dark Room and About SETI: Searching for Life.
- Gather as a group to discuss what students have learned and what conclusions they have formed.
- Ask students to choose a position on the issue.
- Organize students into small groups. Each group should include an equal number of students holding pro and con positions on the issue.
- Ask each group to stage a debate on the issue.
- After all the groups have debated, vote on the most persuasive position.
Extension:
Invite students to play Who's Out There? at the SETI site.
Assessment
N/A
Lesson Plan Source
Education World
Submitted By
Linda Starr
National Standards
Languages Arts:
NL-ENG.K-12.1
NL-ENG.K-12.3
NL-ENG.K-12.4
NL-ENG.K-12.6
NL-ENG.K-12.7
NL-ENG.K-12.8
NL-ENG.K-12.11
NL-ENG.K-12.12
Science:
NS.9-12.5
