This week’s feature looks at the possibility of alien life, specifically on a planet known as K2-18b.

It’s not a very catchy name, no. But it’s also known as ‘Super-Earth’ as it is twice as large as our planet, and has eight times the mass.

More importantly, scientists at UCL recently found water vapour in its atmosphere, making it the most likely destination for alien lifeforms.

This PDF resource includes this article, as well as accompanying activity ideas:

• Imagine we had the ability to travel to K2-18b in a very short time. Debate whether or not we should we go there? Is it important for humans to keep exploring or should we just leave other planets alone?
• Write a short travel review from the perspective of an alien from K2-18b who had visited Earth for a holiday
• Write a short, humorous poem about an imagined conversation with an alien from K2-18b
• The article states that water is essential to all life on Earth. What else does all life have in common? List the seven characteristics of living things. For each one, give an example for both a plant and an animal.

To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to schools.theweekjunior.co.uk.

Find the whole range of free Topical Tuesday resources here.

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