Home

Featured Graphic

Click here to return to the article

Beam Me Down, Scotty!

Share

Subject:Science, Language Arts
Grade:9-12

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).
  • 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.

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

11/27/2000
Updated 02/25/2009