Description

Worlds Beyond brings the fascinating topic of extrasolar planets to students through an engaging hands-on project. Worlds Beyond was designed for middle school students in an out-of-school-time setting such as astronomy clubs, afterschool programs, summer camps, and so on. It is currently not mapped to state science standards, however, it can be implemented during the school day if teachers wish to do so.

This educational art project uses simple, off-the-shelf components to represent each of the extra-solar planetary systems discovered to date. Each system is represented by a common structure composed of two parts: (1) a color-changing LED-lit globe that is solar powered, and (2) a 2” diameter PVC pole that is decorated by the students to represent their extra-solar planetary system. Simple mounts for each sculptural assembly allow the projects to be displayed easily.

Program leaders are provided with a package that introduces them to the Worlds Beyond project. This package also includes a CD with a multi-media presentation that explains the fundamentals of exoplanet detection techniques, scientific issues in exoplanet research, and a list of all known exoplanets. It also provides a list of resources that the leader can explore for further information.

The leader is encouraged to spend 2-3 sessions with the students exploring the fundamentals of exoplanet detection and characteristics of those discovered to date. The students then split into small groups of 2-4 and "adopt" one of the known exoplanets. Each team is provided with the data that is currently known about their exoplanet. They then work with their team to translate their scientific understanding of the topic into art.

Students also write brief descriptions of their art projects to describe their understanding of their exoplanet. These placards are then mounted on the poles to guide the viewer as they interpret the resulting art project.