Together we will run through some basic foundations of the Universe, answering questions about black holes, finding exoplanets using star light, and seeking out signs of life based on NASA science and tech! As we do so we will slowly be building our aliens, custom to the world we discover. Each student will draw theirs out, adding new forms to their creatures as they learn about earth-bound adaptations. This will carry along the foundations of life and biology. what is life? how does it adapt to it's surroundings? Why is our blood red for the same reason Mars is red, and why do octopi still dream and have the same functioning blood, even though it's blue?

As we cover a spectrum of how life functions within it's environment, we will begin to bring our creatures together in the same space, and see how they adapt to one another. Are they symbiotic? Predatory? Do they even notice one-another or pass on by? What would our food web look like, and what might humans exploring this new land misinterpret about how it works?

Discussions are open ended to student interests, as we collaboratively become hobby xenobiologists (a fantastic gateway into our stars and oceans). No background knowledge is required. 

Important Note: While topics of the possibility of life in the universe will be discussed, this will only be done through a scientific lens. Ideas of UFO's and conspiracies will not be part of this lesson, aside from discussing any age-appropriate fictional works that students are interested in. 

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This is an autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergences-friendly classroom. I myself am neurodivergent and this an open space where a student does not need to mask. Miscommunication will not be assumed to be rudeness, and I want curiosity to thrive. I will additionally, joyfully always accommodate best I can if any needs or learning strategies are provided ahead of time.