OSIRIS-REx Mission Analysis

Scott·

Astrobiology

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At a Glance

Grade Level9th Grade

SubjectAstrobiology

Original Prompt

Below is a **short, classroom-ready mini-project** you can drop into 2 class periods for 9th-grade FOBS. It uses OSIRIS-REx as the “anchor phenomenon,” then pushes students to connect Bennu’s **raw materials** to the **characteristics of life on Earth**. --- ## Mini-Project Title **“Space Rock to Life Checklist: What OSIRIS-REx Found on Bennu”** ### Driving Question **Do the materials found in Bennu samples meet the requirements for life—and what’s still missing compared to Earth?** **Anch...

This learning resource provides students with an in-depth analysis of the OSIRIS-REx mission, focusing on its findings related to the near-Earth asteroid Bennu and the implications for understanding life's origins on Earth. Students will explore the mission's timeline, its purpose, and the significance of Bennu's carbon-rich samples. The resource includes key concepts such as the characteristics of life, the importance of organic molecules, and how cosmic discoveries relate to biological science. By engaging with various analytical frameworks, students will build scientific arguments around the connections between asteroid materials and the chemical requirements for life.

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OSIRIS-REx Mission Analysis

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Teaching Tips

Engage Students with Real-World Connections

Clarify Learning Objectives Early

Utilize Think-Pair-Share for Quick Reflection

Incorporate Graphic Organizers

Make it Collaborative

Scaffold the Argumentation with Sentence Starters

Create a Connection to Personal Experiences

Integrate Technology for Research

Encourage Questions and Curiosity

Conduct Informal Assessments