Astrobiology for Educators

Exploring life in the Universe through biology, chemistry, geology, planetary science and interdisciplinary learning.

How did life begin? Are we alone in the Universe? What makes a planet habitable? Astrobiology brings together astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology and planetary science to explore some of humanity’s biggest questions. This SpacewardBound NZ course introduces teachers to one of the most interdisciplinary fields in modern science through Mars exploration, real-world field experiences and systems thinking.

Astrobiology is the scientific study of life in the Universe. Bringing together astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology and planetary science, this course explores how scientists investigate the origins of life on Earth, the potential for life elsewhere and the future of humanity beyond our planet. Through real-world examples, Mars exploration and systems thinking, teachers are introduced to one of the most interdisciplinary fields in modern science.

SpacewardBound NZ has been involved in astrobiology education and outreach in Aotearoa, New Zealand, since 2015 through collaborations with NASA scientists, the New Zealand Astrobiology Network and the international astrobiology community. NASA SpacewardBound 2015 was the first astrobiology field expedition in New Zealand. Since then, we have been developing the programme into an accessible school programme, which your students can access through our school visits.

This course draws on real field experiences, Mars exploration, geothermal environments and interdisciplinary science education developed through SpacewardBound NZ programmes and expeditions.

Bring Astrobiology to Your School

Astrobiology encourages students to ask some of humanity’s biggest questions: How did life begin? Are we alone? What makes Earth habitable? By connecting multiple scientific disciplines, astrobiology supports critical thinking, curiosity and systems-level understanding while helping students explore the relationship between life, planets and the changing environment of Earth.