Translating an Alien Message

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In this activity, learners work together to interpret an "alien message." The group pretends that this is the only message from an imaginary civilization, so there is no "key" and thus no "correct" way to interpret it. Multiple groups can share and comment on their interpretations. The instructions emphasize that this is imaginary -- so far no human contact has been made with aliens. Background information on SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) is available on a separate Web page.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Copies of Alien Message (one per family, from PDF)
  • Pencil for each person

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Technology
      • Information and Communication
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Formulating Explanations

Audience

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Schatz, Dennis

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Project ASTRO, Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 2003