NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case NASA-The Search for life in our solar system title of IC: author: Natalie Jones

NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case teacher: Natalie Jones school: Chaffey High course/grade: Chemistry grades district: CJUHSD

NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case What are the variables that are necessary to sustain life? Where (in our solar system) has the best chance of sustaining life as we know it? Elements Simple biological molecules Solvent Atmosphere Energy generative question:

NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case 1b. Classify an element into a specific family using its properties and the periodic table (ex: alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, halogens, and noble gases) 2e. Draw Lewis dot structures for ions and molecules. 3g.* Identify reactions that involve oxidation and reduction and balance oxidation-reduction reactions. 4a. Compare and contrast the properties of acids and bases. 10b. Identify the bonding characteristics of carbon that result in the formation of a large variety of structures ranging from simple hydrocarbons to complex polymers and biological molecules. learning objectives (key standards):

NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case Formative Assessments include: Daily Quizzers, Homework, Labs, Activities, Vocab Quizzes, and various Projects Summative Assessments include: Portfolio Research, Multiple Choice Tests, Oral Presentation, Poster Project, and Research Paper assessment overview:

NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case Culminating Activities: (Dates: April 18th-May 18th, 2011) Students will work in groups to research and create a Poster presentation (or powerpoint) discussing where in our solar system certain variables necessary for life can be found. Each individual student will write a MLA research paper selecting a location in our solar system that would be the most likely to host life as we know it on Earth. culminating project:

NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case Elements Essential for Life Identifying Cations and Anions Simple Molecules Essential For Life Properties of Water Alternatives to water What pH range can sustain life? (NASA) What does life need? (NASA) Can Living Things Live Here? (NASA) Could Life Exist in other places in our solar system? (NASA) key lessons & activities:

NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case Element Activity Physical or chemical lab Identifying Families lab Making Models Activity Color Lab Acid or Base lab 5E inquiry activities:

NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case Cooperative learning Groups Think-Pair-Share Four Corners Word wall Chemistry is… Bulletin Board Multiple Intelligences: Kinesthetic, Visual, Verbal, etc… Avid Tutorials integrated pedagogy:

NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case ASTROBIOLOGY/ASTROCHEMISTRY NASA Astrobiology NASA Astrobiology Roadmap Brochure (2002) NASA Astrobiology Roadmap (current) Astrobiology Publications Origins of Life Astrochemistry at NASA ARC NASA resources:

NASA LIFTOFF Instructional Case They will be using the 21st century skills of Oral Presentation Skills They will be using the 21st century skills of group collaboration They will be using the 21st century skills of Written Communication Skills They will be using the 21st century skills of information and media literacy 21 st century skill integration: