Developed by the Arizona Astrobiology Center (AABC), these standards-aligned lesson plans and activities are designed to spark wonder and inquiry in K-12 classrooms.
From exploring the chemistry of life's origins to imagining ecosystems on distant planets, our materials emphasize interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and the joy of discovery.
Click here for a list of astrobiology topics and their alignment to Arizona State Standards by grade.
Space Explorers: An Introduction to Astrobiology
In this module, students will learn about the fascinating world of astrobiology and explore the exciting question: “Could life exist beyond Earth?”
Grades
K-2
Language(s)
English, Spanish
Life in Space: Imagine, Explore, Discover!
This imagination-based astrobiology module immerses students in three hands-on, interactive experiences to explore the conditions for life in space.
Grades
K-2
Language(s)
English, Spanish
Exploring Extreme Life
This module explores the extreme life forms that survive on the planet Earth, and why astrobiologists study these creatures to learn how life might survive on other worlds.
Grades
K-2
Language(s)
English, Spanish
Astrobiology Adventure: Plan, Build, Explore!
This three lesson module explores space missions and space exploration through mission planning, creative hands-on activities.
Grades
K-2
Language(s)
English, Spanish
Astrobiology and Extreme Life
This module introduces students to the field of astrobiology and the study of extremophiles - organisms that thrive in extreme conditions.
Grades
3-5, 6-8
Language(s)
English, Spanish, Persian
Your Mission in Space
Students explore careers in space and work together to design their own space mission in these two lessons.
Grades
3-5, 6-8
Language(s)
English, Spanish, Persian
Tardigrade Observation Lab
Learn about the tardigrade and why astrobiologists love to study tardigrades! This lesson includes a comprehensive PowerPoint, plus a worksheet.
Grades
4-12
Language(s)
English
Preconceptions of Extraterrestrial Life
This lesson introduces students to the concept of extraterrestrial life by exploring fictional depictions and comparing them to real-world biological adaptations.
Grades
5-9
Language(s)
English
Astrobiology, OSIRIS-REx and The Search for the Origins of Life
By delving into the realm of astrobiology research, students will explore how scientific choices are shaped when investigating the origins of life on Earth and beyond.
Grades
6-8
Language(s)
English
Imagining Life Beyond Earth
“Imagining Life Beyond Earth” is a series of five lessons meant as an exploratory experience of astrobiology. These lessons are also offered separately on the Astrobiology Center’s website.
Grades
6-8
Language(s)
English
Sustainability and Life in the Future
The definition of astrobiology includes the future of life - both on Earth and beyond. This section contains links to resources created by other organizations, with a focus on sustainability.
Grades
K-12
Language(s)
English