Astrobiology - Amgen Teach

Amgen Teach
Forum Archive
Distance Learning Activity #5:
Astrobiology and the hunt for life
among the stars
Expert:
Dr Joseph Roche
Greetings from Earth
Joseph Roche
Hello Everyone! I’m Joseph and I will be talking to you this
week about planets, stars and the search for life. Looking
forward to hearing your questions and opinions during the
week
Silvia Rapp
Hello Joseph! My name is Silvia and I am from Germany. I
am looking foreward to the live session tonight and I hope
for an interesting discussion.
Joseph Roche
Thanks Silvia - I hope you enjoyed the live session tonight!
Astrobiology
Viki Majer
Hello everyone I’m a geologist and very intersted to this
topic.
Are we alone?
Planetary systems outside our are like distant cities whose
lights we can see twinkling, but whose streets we can’t
walk.
Can we learn how stars and planets interact to form their
own ecosystem?
Thak you.
Joseph Roche
I hope we can answer some of those questions in the
future. And the geologists will be key to finding those
answers!
Astrobiology and evolution
Aynur Elif Bulut
Hi, i am Aynurelif from Turkey. I am a biology teacher at
Ankara Science High School. My students really wonder
about other universe and the expansion universe. So, i
have attended this topic because i would like to explain
them correctly.
Joseph Roche
Hi Aynurelif, thanks for taking part! If you are looking
for a quick answer for your students then you could do
worse then point them in the direction of this short video
by Bill Nye in a debate where he was asked to explain
the expanding universe: Bill Nye explains the expanding
universe
Biology and Chemistry
Viki Majer
Joseph Roche
Life is unique so wonderfully walkthroug even at the cellular
level so amazing , and this whole effort only for the life
forms on Earth . I just can not believe that this blueprint
was applied only once
Agreed. We are probably not that special :)
Biosphere 2 experiment
Fatma Bilir
Hi Joseph,
I am a biyology teacher in high school. My students and
also I wonder about Biosphere 2 experiment. What do
you think about this experiment ? Do you think If this
experiment had been successful, did another biosphere
can be created in space ?
Fatma BİLİR
Biology Teacher
Turkey
Joseph Roche
Hi Fatma,
Thank you for your question. I think Biosphere 2 is a
fascinating experiment. I very much appreciate the
ideas behind it and I am very glad to see that it was not
demolished and continues to yield scientific results at some
level.
But I also think the implementation of the original
experiment might have been handled a little better. It
captured the public imagination at the time but perhaps
was not as transparent as it could have been about the
successes and failures of the experiment.
As it was such a challenging undertaking it was always
likely to face elements of failure and I think the researchers
involved could have shared their opinion on what was going
wrong more publicly rather than it being kept a little bit quiet
until later in the endeavour.
With public-facing experiments like Biosphere 2, I think
scientists have a responsibility to inform the public how
likely they are to fail with their efforts and to reveal when
that happens. Failure is just another stepping stone
towards scientific progress and is something that should be
embraced by scientists and educators so that students and
the public alike stop thinking of failure as such a negative
outcome.
What we have learned from the experiment is that
biospheres in general are extremely difficult to sustain and I
think it will be a long time before we see one in space.
Joseph.
Biosphere 2 experiment
Fatma Bilir
Hi Joseph,
This valuable informations are very important for us. Thank
you so much :)
Fatma.
Joseph Roche
Happy to help ;)
In the classroom - can we talk about life elsewhere in the
universe?
Joseph Roche
Hello All!
Thank you for your questions and comments so far. Today I
would like to pose the question:
“In the classroom - can we talk about life elsewhere in the
universe?”
Is it acceptable for us to bring up the hunt for
extraterrestrial life with our students? Some educators feel
that even broaching that area has too much uncertainty
to make it appropriate to discuss it in class. Could support
from scientists and universities and research institutions
help to break down the barriers to discussing astrobiology
with young adults? Do conversations about “aliens” just
get completely hijacked by stereotypes and perceptions
generated by science fiction?
I would love to hear about your experiences engaging with
this question in the classroom environment.
Joseph.
Gabriella Baron
Hi Joseph,
I’am a geologist and I theach in a middle school math and
science.
My students are found of astronomy and when studing the
solar sistem, our galaxy and the universe Always ask me:
may be another planet like Earth? Are we so unique? May
be worlds where the organic substances can evolve into life
forms?
Their curiosity leads them to ask question and look for
hypotheses to explain how this could have happened.
Thank you.
Gabriella
In the classroom - can we talk about life elsewhere in the
universe?
Nihal Yıldırım
Hi Joseph,
Our first subject at 9th grade is the components of
creatures.I ask student some students to discuss this issue.
Is there similar features between living and dead
creatures?
Oxygen, hydrogen, carbon elements that exist in the
structure of living creatures also in inanimate have?
Can living things continue life without oxygen?
Can we survive another planet?
Students discuss these questions.
Could there be life on another planet?
İf there was atmosfere on mars could we live there?
The students ask these question.
Thus we can disscuss the subject of living at different
planets with curiuos students.
They think only life on the Milky Way galaxy.
The possibility of the idea that a life on another galaxy
make them skeptical and it reflects on their faces.
I wonder if there is Life on the other galaxies ?
Thank you
Nihal Yıldırım
Joseph Roche
Hi Gabriella, thanks for your comments. I am happy to hear
that your students have such good questions - especially
“are we so unique”? I think it is a good sign when you
young people consider the importance of our species. I’m
even happier to hear that they use these questions as a
way to develop hypotheses to explain how life might evolve
elsewhere! That makes me excited about that future :)
In the classroom - can we talk about life elsewhere in the
universe?
Joseph Roche
Catherine Zörner
Hi Nihal. I think that is a very good idea to look at the
world around us and what we do understand in order to
postulate about what we do not understand. Getting the
students to think about the similarities between living and
dead creatures on Earth would help provide a framework
for how to consider defining life on other planets. There
are likely billions of other planets in our galaxy alone, so
thinking about the possibility of life in other galaxies too is
staggering :)
Hi!
My name is Catherine Zoerner, and I am training to become
a Biology and English teacher in Austria. I had the pleasure
of listening and following your very interesting webinar and
I was suprised how many thoughts and questions it awoke
in me.
Astrobiology is unfortunately not given a lot of attention
in the teaching curriculum, however I have tutored and
helped some students to prepare for their A-levels in
Biology and almost each one of them chose to specialise in
astrobiology.
Time travelling, planets, life somewhere else and outer
space in general, have alsways fascinated humans, which
is represented in the last movies, such as “Interstellar”,
“The Martian” and “Gravity”. Children enjoy watching
these movies and therefore, astrobiology is given a lot of
attention. There is an incredible hunger for information
when it comes to the possibility of life somewhere in the
universe. I have found, that students are blown away
when you tell them how small our planet is, that it is part
of the Milky Way and what else is “out there”. As you have
mentioned in your webinar, it is almost healthy for the
pupils, to realize that we are not the centre of the universe
and that there might be life somewhere else. They mind is
broadened and they let themselves be shown another level
of perspective, which is a wonderful thing.
I believe, that when using the term “aliens” the children do
tend to stick to the sterotypical images they have in their
minds, however if you come from a different angle and
tell them how life on Earth started, then they might start to
break down their preconcieved opinions. When referring
In the classroom - can we talk about life elsewhere in the
universe?
Catherine Zörner
to life, the smallest living organisms are all it takes to call it
“life on a different planet” This, of course is often a delicate
topic, since religious beliefs and science do not agree on
when “life began” on Earth.
There is no doubt, that this is not the easiest topic to teach
to children, however it is incredibly interesting and should
be given some attention and time in the classroom. I am
very sure, that the pupils would enjoy learning about this
field of studies.
Catherine Zörner
Roberta Morrone
Hello,
I’m Roberta Morrone, and I’m an italian teacher. I’m sorry
for my english!
I talk about the Universe to my students (12 years) in this
days.
Theyr minds go quikly to other kind of life when I tell them
that there are a lot of stars and other kind of star’s systems.
But what kind of life! Not the same! They learn and
understand the carapteristic unicity of our planet Terra.
I like tell them step by step the study of the man and how
he can keep and study and understand this big Universo
and I like to see theire stupore and there eyes when they
begin to think and propose questions.
I tell you about this another days. After knowing Amgen and
the IBSE metode I always try to use questions that begin
with “how do you think ...”.
See you later
Roberta
In the classroom - can we talk about life elsewhere in the
universe?
Elias Wojta
Hello, Joseph,
For me personally there is probably no other topic as
exciting as life on other planets. It is also a topic most if not
all children are very excited about, so discussing it in the
classroom would be a good way to get them interested in
the scientific field in general.
The biggest problem in my opinion is the stigma that’s
attached to “aliens” and even just the search for intelligent
life.
The existence of aliens is often equated to conspiracy
theories like lizard people or skin walkers because a lot of
people can’t handle what they don’t understand and ridicule
it as a result.
That however shouldn’t stop reasonable people from
pursuing the topic and engaging young people to
participate in the process.
I hope we will hear more about this topic,
Elias Wojta
Joseph Roche
Hi Elias,
Thanks for your input and for highlighting the stigma that’s
attached to “aliens” and the relationship to conspiracy
theories. I felt myself that there are issues with the
stereotypes but it is good to have that confirmed with
evidence from the classroom. I think I will devise a research
project at some point to address the misconceptions and
stereotypes surrounding aliens and extraterrestrial life.
Joseph.
Joseph Roche
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for you thoughts on this. I think you raise some
very important points about the challenges of stereotypical
images of aliens and the science vs religious debate about
when “life began” on Earth. I am really glad to hear that
despite the challenges you feel this topic should be given
attention and time in the classroom!
Joseph.
In the classroom - can we talk about life elsewhere in the
universe?
Joseph Roche
Hello Roberta,
Thank you for taking the time to share your opinions. I very
much enjoyed reading them. I am especially pleased that
you are confident about talking about the Universe and
using questions that begin with “how do you think ...” :)
Joseph.
What are the benefits and challenges of STSPs?
Joseph Roche
Hello everyone!
It was very nice to engage with you all last night in the live
session and I hope I have given you something to think
about in terms of “Astrobiology” and our quest to find life
elsewhere in the universe. A significant portion of my talk
last night focused on “Citizen Science” and my belief that
over the years ahead we will be challenged to find ways
of incorporating large-scale scientific projects into formal
education systems. My question at the end of the session
was: “What are the benefits and challenges of StudentTeacher-Scientist-Partnerships?”
Over the coming days I think it would be interesting to
gather opinions from you on this topic. Do you think
engaging with active research would help empower your
students to feel like scientists and give them confidence
with the subject? Do you think it undermines the scientific
process by having young people engage in a project early
in their education? What kind of supports might be needed
to implement an effective engagement? Do school visits
by scientists actually help or are they merely a distraction?
Whatever you think the benefits and challenges are I would
love to hear your opinions. There are no right or wrong
answers as this is an emerging area so feel free to say
whatever you are thinking.
Looking forward to some interesting discussions
What are the benefits and challenges of STSPs?
Aynur Elif Bulut
Hi Joseph,
I would like to say again that ‘Citizen Science’ is important
to us who we are worried about our Earth...
I agree with you. Therefore i tell my students how to
prepare project. First of all i only tell that you should think
simple if you want to solve a problem. Because if you think
complex, you probably will be away from the goal. So, i
only tell them that ‘think simple, solve quickly...’
Secondly, i would like to answer your question ‘What are
the benefits and challenges of STSPs?’
The Benefits are;
Students will expand their learning path.
Teachers will become a leader who they learn with pupils.
In this case it means fresh blood and different perspectives
for scientists.
For partnership, i am not sure which will be happened
‘benefit or challenges’.
Finally, i always believe that inquiry-based education
and project based education direct students to think.
So,learning can only be achieved in this way.
Have a good evening.
Aynur Elif
Joseph Roche
Thank you Aynur Elif! I am glad to hear that Citizen Science
is important to you. I agree with your points about STSPs
expanding the learning of students and providing different
perspectives for scientists. I also think you raise some valid
points about inquiry-based and project-based education
challenging students to think. I believe this is why Citizen
Science will find a place within the formal education
system. Thank you for your thoughts and I look forward to
hearing more during the week.
What are the benefits and challenges of STSPs?
Nihal Yıldırım
Hi Joseph,
I am a biology teacher in high school.
I teach my students scientific thinking. Because the
scientific thinking of making sense of life is important. İt
builds towards the cause of scientific thought and effect
relationships. Reach a solution with the data in hand.
İn science this process is important to the subject of
the humanitarian approach. This state of mind supports
the students thinking. Examines student event realistic
apporach. Understant it might be supported by evidence.
They can be seen as a benefit.
Traditional thinking may conflict wiht scientific thinking. This
may cause the student to think deeply. This can be seen as
a loss.
Joseph Roche
Elias Wojta
Thank you Nihal. I am very pleased to hear that you teach
your students “scientific thinking” in a high school biology
class. Students are often taught science as a body of
knowledge, rather than as a way of thinking. I believe
that the way of thinking is so much more important. We
find at university level that it can take a while for the
students to “think like scientists” even if they have acquired
large amounts of scientific knowledge. The challenge of
“traditional thinking” conflicting with “scientific thinking” is
an interesting one. I had not thought of that as a barrier
to STSPs but it is a very good point. I like the idea of the
“humanitarian approach” being integral to the process.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts :)
Hi Joseph,
First of all, thank you for the very interesting webinar, it was
a great experience.
In relation to your questions, I think including students in
the scientific process is a great way to get them interested
in pursuing a scientific career. I don’t think the scientific
process would be undermined if young people are included,
on the contrary I believe it’s important to have young
people and students engage in research and the scientific
process. That’s one of the only ways to get them excited
about the process.
Thank you again for your time
What are the benefits and challenges of STSPs?
Joseph Roche
Hi Elias,
Thanks for your thoughts. It is refreshing to hear that you
think including students in the scientific process is a good
way to get them interested in pursuing a scientific career.
I will keep working and hopefully I can find evidence to
support this work :)
Joseph.
In the classroom - can we talk about life elsewhere in the
universe?
Joseph Roche
Dear All,
It has been a pleasure engaging and interacting with you
this week. I hope that it has led to some new ideas and
fresh perspectives.
If you would like to discuss any of the topics that have
come up this week or you have any ideas or thoughts that
you would like to share - then Twitter is probably the best
place to continue the conversation.
You can find me here: @joeboating
You can also pose questions to the @eu_schoolnet handle
or using the hashtag - #AmgenTeach.
Thank again for all your insight and comments and best of
luck with your future endeavours.
Sincerely,
Joseph.
Aynur Elif Bulut
Dear Joseph,
Thank you so much again... It was interesting topic for me...
Aynur Elif
Joseph Roche
Thank you for the questions - it was very interesting for me
too :)
Joseph Roche
Dear Mr Roche,
first I wanted to thank you for the great lecture!
Here are my 2 questions:
1. How long will it take until mankind will have the
technology which is necessarily to build new means of
transport which can get to e.g. alpha centauri? or.. do you
think that this is simply impossible for us humans?
2. how can you recognize an planet (within a sun system)
in outer space which is in the right distance to its sun?
(neither to far nor to near)
In the classroom - can we talk about life elsewhere in the
universe?
Judit Makkos-Káldi
Hallo Joseph,
First of all, I would like to thank you for the interesting
topic you were talking about recently. I have PhD in
animal sciences, having 10-year-teaching experience in
adult education, currently studying biology at a University
College of Teacher Education, to be able to educate school
pupils as well. Secondly, as for me, engaging – sustainably
- both adults and students at the age 10-14 seems one
of the most challenging issues for teachers. That is why I
was happy about your input of “Student-Teacher-ScientistPartnerships“.
Getting insight to scientific procedures, through scientific
problem solving, students can learn that science is more
than just learning boring facts and concepts. Of course, as
a teacher, our responsibility is to find the right methods to
involve and motivate our students for a certain topic, to get
and keep them enthusiastic.
I think, astrobiology, the hunt for life beyond Earth is
indeed one of the most exciting topics for everybody
disregarding the age, place of living, the profession, the
religion and beliefs, etc., and disregarding the fact, how
much somebody knows about the universe and its scientific
background. Therefore, this area gives the teachers lots of
opportunities to get their students inquiry-oriented.
As inquiry-based learning starts by posing questions,
problems or scenarios, rather than simply presenting facts
and figures, teachers can use a wide range of methods to
facilitate their students. Citizen Science is only one way
for that. Young Citizen Science projects or events like
the European Researchers´ Night give the opportunity to
be part of the topic. If students can have the feeling they
are part of the science, if they can not only see, but also
experience, this will definitely expand they learning path.
Finally, how to bring astrobiology into classrooms?
Virtual planetary laboratory games, quizzes, and various
demonstrations allow the increase the level of interactivity
in classrooms. Students can and should use their
imagination, keep on formulating questions and trying to
find the answers by themselves, etc.
Thank you once again!
In the classroom - can we talk about life elsewhere in the
universe?
Joseph Roche
Dear Amir,
Thank you for your questions. They are very good
questions and not so easy to answer :)
(1). I would not like to say that it will always be impossible
for us to travel to another star, but for the moment
interstellar travels looks extremely unlikely for a long
time to come. It probably will not be the technology that
is the problem, but humans. It would be very difficult to
transport humans such great distances for such long
periods. Although concepts like “human hibernation” and
“generation ships” would present ways to overcome this
barrier, they look just as unlikely as interstellar travel itself
at the
moment.
(2). Exoplanets are often discovered when they periodically
orbit in front of a star. Although we cannot see the planet
directly we can notice its presence from the dip in star
brightness when the planet is in front of the star (similar
to how the moon causes a dip in brightness from the sun
when it comes between the sun and the earth during a
Solar Eclipse). From these measurements we can estimate
the period of orbit of the planet. We can then use Kepler’s
Third Law to calculate the distance that the planet is from
the star it is orbiting. It is explained better here: https://
www.sfu.ca/colloquium/PDC_Top/astrobiology/discoveringexoplanets/calculating-exoplanet-properties.html
Joseph.
Joseph Roche
Hi Judit,
Great to hear about your experiences and feelings towards
the topic. I think your suggestions for bringing astrobiology
into the classroom are excellent. “Virtual planetary
laboratory games, quizzes, and demonstrations” are really
good interactive means to engage a classroom. Thank you
for sharing!
Joseph.