MIT Challenge 2 Alien Life

In this challenge, MIT Professor Dr. Seager invites students to join her in her hunt for the next Earth. Of all known exoplanets, which is the most likely to support life, and why? What kind of life might be supported on that planet?

Students will need to make a model of the planet they think is most likely to harbour life or describe a species that might be found on that planet. Students are encouraged to be creative with this challenge.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Sara Seager - Astrophysicist and Professor of Planetary Science and Physics at MIT

Dr. Seager and her team study exoplanets, or planets that orbit a star other than our Sun. They hope to find an Earth-like twin; another planet that has a favourable combination of ingredients to house life. Finding an Earth-like exoplanet would also help us understand how life came to be on our own planet.

Upcoming timelines:

• MIT Challenge 2 Project Deadline – 17th February
• ‘Ask the Expert’ Deadline - 20th February

‘Ask the Expert’ - Students, please log into the Global Campus MIT page and click here to watch Dr. Seager’s video. Then please submit your questions about ‘Alien life’ and exoplanet research. Your questions might be selected to be answered by Dr. Seager!

About MIT-Nord Anglia STEAM Programme

The MIT-NAE collaboration is a great opportunity for BSB students to participate in exciting challenges designed by leading MIT professors. Our students also participate in MIT Abstracts which are live webinars presented by PhD students at MIT who are conducting cutting-edge research in their chosen field of study. There are plans for student trips to MIT soon. MIT provides excellent materials and resources to ensure our students can explore, have fun and be curious about the world around them.

Click here to see how BSB create life-changing experiences for your child through our global collaborations.