Extra, Extra, Read All About It: Microbes Create Earth’s Atmosphere

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Author:

Brad Bebout, Robin Bucaria

Subject:

Science and Technology

Institution Name:

NASA Ames Research Center

Collection:

NASA

Grade Level:

Primary

Abstract:

You have been selected as a member of a group to interest fourth and fifth grade students in current science issues. As you searched for science topics to capture their attention, you came across this headline: Microbes Create Earth's Atmosphere. Although this seems like a tabloid heading, it is not. NASA researchers are studying bacteria, other microbes, and the gases they produce in microbial mat ecosystems to see how life formed on Earth. Early microbial ecosystems are also studied to help scientists discover life on other planets. This research is even being used in the quest for life on Mars. You wonder, how do you use earth's microbial ecosystems to look for life on other planets?

Course Type:

Learning Module

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Media Format:

Downloadable docs

Conditions of Use:

Public Domain
NASA still images; audio files; video; and computer files used in the rendition of 3-dimensional models, such as texture maps and polygon data in any format, generally are not copyrighted. You may use NASA imagery, video, audio, and data files used for the rendition of 3-dimensional models for educational or informational purposes, including photo collections, textbooks, public exhibits, computer graphical simulations, and Internet Web pages. This general permission extends to personal Web pages.