New worlds to discover in
elementary and secondary classrooms
Exoplanets in the classroom, is a free educational resource for elementary and secondary schools on exoplanets and the search for life, created by astrophysicists and education specialists.
Here you will find many resources (presentations, glossaries, FAQs, activity kits, printable cards, videos, etc.) which can be used to familiarize yourself with these topics and to dive into them with your classroom!
Exoplanets 101
An exoplanet (or extrasolar planet) is a planet outside our Solar System, orbiting a star other than the Sun. Since the 1990s, we have realized that most stars have planets orbiting them, forming countless planetary systems throughout our galaxy and beyond.
In Quebec and Canada, several scientists are specialists in the detection and study of these new worlds. They work in particular within the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets. Their objective ? Answering the question: “Are we alone in the Universe?”
These presentations effectively explain basic concepts about the planets of our Solar System, exoplanets, and extraterrestrial life. Learn or review information, simply use the images therein or present them as-in in class or modified to suit your students.
Google Slides Presentations
Glossary
Introduces some terms used by scientists, such as: planet, planetary system, light year, etc. Learn some useful definitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Features more than 25 questions answered by astrophysicists. Satisfy the curiosity of both young and old alike!
"The Google Slides presentations are very well done, clear and thorough. The images are interesting and relevant. I find them useful as an introduction, review, or even for additional information"
• Marie-Ève, secondary teacher
Elementary School Activity Kit
Presenting four activities geared toward students aged 5 to 12. Intended specifically for grades 3-6, but may be easily adapted for younger learners. To be used in conjunction with other resources (presentations, flashcards, videos, etc.).
Secondary School Activity Kit
Includes four short activities for students aged 12 to 17. Geared toward grades 7-8 (activities 1-2) and grades 9-12 (activities 3-4). Some elementary activities (e.g. activities 1 and 2) may also be of interest for grades 7-8. . Can also be used for extracurricular activities. To be used in conjunction with certain other resources (presentations, flashcards, videos, etc.).
Secondary School Activity Kit
Activity 1 - Eyes on Exoplanets
Activity 2 - The Exoplanet Zoo
Activity 3 - In an Astronomer's Shoes
ExoBites
The ExoBites are short 5-6 minute videos featuring scientists from the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets. They were created for the general public, but adapt very well to a school context. Use them to learn about this fascinating area of research and the scientists who study it! French audio with English subtitles.
An exoplanet zoo
Alien Life
Telescopes of the Future
Earth 2.0
The stars that dance
The Modern Astronomer
Cosmic Wink
Stellarium Web and Eyes on Exoplanets Web are two free digital tools that can be useful in your exploration of new worlds and the cosmos. Use the tutorials below to familiarize yourself with these tools and introduce them to young people.
A free virtual planetarium tool which can create a realistic sky at any time in the past, present, or future, from any location on Earth. Use to learn the sky and constellations!
Free virtual tool that faithfully reproduces a portion of our galaxy in 3D. Use to visit the thousands of known planetary systems and learn more about the exoplanets they host.
Tutorial
"The answers to the FAQ questions are clear and well-thought out. It is sometimes difficult to find reliable, simple, simple answers for our students."
• Claudia, secondary teacher
Printable Flashcards
These three decks of cards feature the planets of our Solar System, exoplanets, and our Solar System and other planetary systems. Print and use for activities or as you wish!
Exoplanets and Us!
Exoplanets and Us are short videos of less than 6 minutes which feature scientists from the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets. Meet scientists who are interested in exoplanets and find out their opinions on frequently asked questions. French audio with English subtitles.
What is your favourite exoplanet?
History of exoplanets
Is there life elsewhere?
The Little Encyclopedia of Astronomy
These short articles cover different astronomy topics in an approachable and succinct manner. To be used alongside the Challenge: Explore the sky... and exoplanets or in other contexts to learn and review basic concepts with students.
Google Doc version
PDF version
Exoplanet Posters
Beautiful high resolution posters to show students or
to print and decorate your classroom.
About
Exoplanets in the classroom is a project of the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences of the University of Montreal, in collaboration with Discover the Universe, École en réseau, l'Association pour l’enseignement de la science de la technologie au Québec (Aestq) and several members of the Quebec educational system.
The original objective of the project was to help teachers in Quebec introduce children and teenagers to exoplanets and the search for life elsewhere, cutting-edge subjects for which Quebec researchers are world leaders. The curriculum guideline connections provided here are specific to Québec, but they can serve as a valuable resource for teachers across Canada and beyond. Educational standards and objectives often share commonalities nationwide, especially in Grades 6 and 9. We hope these guidelines can inspire and assist educators outside of Québec in incorporating these activities into their own classrooms, enhancing lesson plans and engaging students in STEM in meaningful and relevant ways, regardless of their location.
The project's resources allow for deeper learning and an exciting, dynamic and accessible exploration of big questions like: “Are we alone in the Universe? » and “Is the Earth unique?”, which naturally arouse the curiosity of kids and adults.
To learn more about the project, its authors as well as its unique development, which exploited a sustained collaboration between scientists, education specialists and different actors in the school system, see the Trottier Research Institute website on exoplanets.
This project was made possible thanks to financial support from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy of Quebec, via its NovaScience program.
Would you like to invite an astronomer virtually to your class?
Check this out!
Questions or comments?
Contact Marie-Eve Naud, at the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets.
Partners
