Water in Extreme Environments

Grades 6–8

Amazing landscapes and water in different forms can be found throughout the solar system.

Discover where water is located in our solar system and engineer a process to reuse this precious resource in an extreme environment!

Calling all STEM Learners & Families

Head this way!

Science

Learn about water on Earth and across the solar system, then propose one extraterrestrial water reservoir for exploration.

8 Activities • 45 minutes per Activity

Engineering

Explore water quality and filtration, then design a water filtration system for use in an extreme environment on Earth or in space.

10 Activities • 45 minutes per Activity

Home & STEM Night

Engineer a device to split wavelengths of light. Use it to learn about different light sources. Design a way to illuminate dark areas.

2 Activities • 60 minutes total

Make a plan to locate water across the solar system and determine which location NASA ought to study for water that could have life.

Illustration of planetary surface in the foreground that suggests water in the environment with another planet and its moon in the background

Water in Extreme Environments: Water in the Solar System

Science

In these activities, learners answer the big question, “Where in the solar system is there water that could support life?”

Illustration of a Mars-like underground facility with people working and living inside, surrounded by insets of specific activities like drinking and tending plants.

Water in Extreme Environments: Engineering a Water Reuse Process

Engineering

In these activities, learners answer the big question, “How can we reuse water in a place where water is hard to get?”

A tabletop displays blue cards featuring moons and Saturn with descriptions and symbols.

Worlds Apart: Engineering Remote Sensing Devices

Home & STEM Night

In these Adventures, youth answer the guiding question, “How can we design remote sensing devices to help scientists learn about a far-away moon?”

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Water Educator Resources

Improve Teamwork, Support Understanding, and Build 21st Century Skills

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Learning Resources

Find overviews, learning progressions, and tips to support your teaching.

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NASA Resources

Explore resources from NASA to learn more about space hazards.

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Live Events

Stay informed about upcoming live video events from NASA.