Students may have many ideas about extraterrestrial life. Some concepts to address include what life is, where and how to look for extraterrestrial life, how it might look, and how we might communicate with it. Conduct a poll of students' opinions regarding these concepts. Post their ideas in the classroom for further discussion after their visit.

Have students brainstorm what life is. Place several numbered items on a table. Include some items clearly living and some not. Have students categorize each item as living or nonliving, giving their reasons. List on the board characteristics that all living things possess.

Ask what living things need to survive. List student suggestions. Then have students choose living things from within the classroom and test if these things have these needs. Add to the list as needed.

To demonstrate how exoplanets are detected by the "wobble method," mark an X on the floor. Then join hands with a student smaller than you and spin with the X in between the two of you. Most students will note that the student is revolving around you (possibly even with you on the X), but acute observers may notice that you are also describing a slight circle—the wobble.

Review all vocabulary in bold.