The Drake Equation

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In this math activity, based on the research of famed astronomer Frank Drake, learners calculate the possibilities of finding intelligent life elsewhere in the universe besides Earth. Among the variables learners must consider are: total number of stars in the Milky Way galaxy, percent of certain stars that have planetary systems, percent of habitable planets or moons in those systems that develop some form of life, percent of planets that develop intelligent life, and percent of intelligent life that develops radio technology. This activity can be found on pages 10-11 of the activity guide. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Stars and Galaxies
    • Solar System
      • The Planets
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Probability
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • The Scientific Worldview
      • Formulating Explanations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Science After School Consumer's Guide

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, TERC, 2007

Funding Sources:

  • NASA, NAS5-26555
  • National Science Foundation, NSF 9730728