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native astrobiology program

The Thermal Biology Institute (TBI) in partnership with the Astrobiology Biogeocatalysis Research Center (ABRC) has been developing inquiry based activities for teachers on Astrobiology.  spectrUM has teamed up with TBI, ABRC, NASA, and the Native American Research Laboratories (NARL) to implement these fun, hands-on activities in middle-school and high school classrooms on Montana Reservations.  Educators Meredith Berthelson and Rebecca Sporman participated in an Astrobiology training for secondary teachers held at Montana State University last summer and have been sharing what they learned with students from Browning, St. Ignatius, Plains, and will soon travel to Polson.

 During these programs, students explore microbes that are able to thrive in extreme and hostile environments.  NASA scientists are interested in studying these microbes, particularly when their environment and energy resources are comparable to that of other planets.  Scientists want to know: are there life forms thriving in outer space?

 

Pictured here, two students from the Browning Summer Institute for Junior and Seniors in High School examine the symbiotic relationship between termites and microbes. The termites feed on wood or other vegetation and the bacteria and protozoa degrade this to simple compounds which the termite can use thus enabling it to exploit desert habitats in which not many other herbivores can live.  For more information, click here. http://www.microbiologyprocedure.com/population-interactions/termite-gut-microbes.html

Watch a video of what these students saw under the microscope on YouTube here.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O7HTBsS7sA&feature=related

Pretty cool, huh?

 

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