Our World: Where Do We Find Extremophiles?
Where do we find extremophiles? We look for environments that push the limits for ordinary living organisms. NASA conducts analog testing in these extreme environments to better understand life on Earth and identify the potential for life in the universe.
Discussion and writing prompts
1. Extremophiles are found in places that many people would consider uninhabitable. What characteristics make these environments so challenging, and why are scientists interested in studying them?
2. Scientists use observations, technology, and evidence to study environments that are difficult to reach. What tools or methods do you think scientists use to safely investigate places where extremophiles live, and why are they important?
3. Many environments on Earth serve as "analogs" for conditions on other planets and moons. Why is it useful for scientists to study Earth's extreme environments before sending missions to places like Mars or Europa?
Background Information
Grades 2 through 12
- NASA Life...Out of This World? (webpage)
Grades 3 through 12
- NASA eClips Our World: What Is an Extremophile? (video)
- NASA Astrobiology: The NASA Graphic History Series (pdfs)
- NASA Now Extremophiles (video)
Grades 4 through 12
- NASA Life in the Extremes (pdf)
- NASA Examples of Earthly Extremophiles (pdf)
- NASA Ask an Astrobiologist (videos)
Grades 5 through 12
- TEDEd Should We Look for Life Elsewhere in the Universe? (video)
Grades 6 through 12
- PBS Life’s Extreme Environments (video)
Activities
Grades K through 12
- NISE Network Exploring the Universe: Imagining Life (webpage)
Grades 2 through 12
- Night Sky Network Life in the Extreme (webpage)
Grades 3 through 8
- NASA eClips at Home: "Extremophiles" (webpage)
Grades 3 through 12
- V.A.L.U.E. Bundle: Astrobiology and Extremophiles (videos/pdfs/interactives)
Grades 6 through 8
Grades 6 through 12
- NASA Xtrem-o-philes (webpage)
- NASA Astrobiology Institute Life Underground: The Game (video game)
- Challenger Learning Center Extremophiles (pdf)
- Infiniscope The Search for Life (webpage)
Grades 9 through 12
- Montana State University Planet in a Bottle, The Extreme Planet Project and other Extremophile Teaching Resources (pdf)