AI in Exoplanet Discovery

 

Main Idea

In this engaging 2-hour learning activity for high school students, participants explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in discovering exoplanets. The session begins with an introduction to exoplanets and traditional discovery methods, followed by an overview of AI and its applications in astronomy. Students then dive into a case study of AI-driven exoplanet discoveries, such as those from the Kepler mission. A hands-on activity allows students to work with simplified light curve datasets, train a basic AI model, and test their model’s ability to identify potential exoplanets. The activity culminates in a discussion on the results, challenges, and future prospects of AI in scientific research, fostering a deeper understanding of both astronomy and artificial intelligence.

Creator	Kati Clements
Subject	Computer science, Physics, Astronomy
Length	2 hours and 10 minutes
Pedagogical Approach	Hands-on activity  Inquiry-based learning Participatory learning Experiential learning
Competences	Understand the basic concepts of exoplanets. Learn how AI can be used in astronomical discoveries. Explore a real-world application of AI in science. Engage in a hands-on activity to apply AI concepts.
Grades	Grades 10-12
Technologies	Google colab NASA Exoplanet Exploration TED Talk: How We Teach Computers to Understand Pictures: https://youtu.be/40riCqvRoMs?si=-VL-YLAsgXHL3p-K

1. Introduction to Exoplanets (20 minutes)

• • Begin with a brief overview of exoplanets: what they are, why they are important, and how they are discovered.

• • Show images and videos of known exoplanets and their characteristics.

• • Explain the traditional methods of exoplanet discovery (e.g., transit method, radial velocity method).

2. Basics of Artificial Intelligence (20 minutes)

• • Define AI and its various applications in different fields.

• • Provide a brief history of AI in astronomy.

• • Discuss how AI can analyze large datasets more efficiently than humans.

3. AI in Exoplanet Discovery (20 minutes)

• • Present a case study of how AI has been used to discover new exoplanets (e.g., Kepler mission data analysis).

• • Explain the process: data collection, preprocessing, training machine learning models, and validation.

• • Highlight the success stories and challenges faced by scientists using AI.

4. Hands-on Activity: Simulating AI for Exoplanet Discovery (40 minutes)

• Step 1: Dataset Exploration (10 minutes)

• • Provide students with a simplified dataset of light curves from stars.

• • Explain what light curves are and how they indicate the presence of an exoplanet.

• Step 2: Building a Simple AI Model (15 minutes)

• • Guide students through the process of training a basic AI model using an online platform (e.g., Google Colab).

• • Students will input the light curve data and train the model to identify potential exoplanets.

• Step 3: Model Testing and Analysis (15 minutes)

• • Students will test their models on a separate dataset to see if they can identify exoplanets.

• • Discuss the results and accuracy of their models.

• • Reflect on the importance of model validation and the potential for false positives.

5. Discussion and Q&A (20 minutes)

• • Encourage students to share their thoughts and ask questions about the activity and AI applications in astronomy.

• • Discuss ethical considerations and the future of AI in scientific research.

6. Conclusion (10 minutes)

• • Summarize key takeaways from the session.
  • Provide additional resources for students interested in learning more about AI and astronomy.
  • Assign optional homework: Write a short essay on the potential future discoveries AI could make in astronomy.

Assessment:

• Participation in discussions and hands-on activity.

• Understanding demonstrated through Q&A.

• Quality and thoughtfulness of optional essay.

This structured learning scenario will help high school students grasp the concept of using AI to discover new exoplanets through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and real-world examples.

 

Worksheet: Discovering Exoplanets with AI

Name: ______________________

Date: ______________________

 

Instructions:

• Choose the correct answer for each question.

• Use the information presented during the lesson to help you.

• Be prepared to discuss your answers with the class.

Section 1: Understanding Exoplanets

• What is an exoplanet?

• A) A planet within our solar system

• B) A planet orbiting a star outside our solar system

• C) A moon of Jupiter

• D) A star that has burned out

• Which method is NOT used to discover exoplanets?

• A) Transit method

• B) Radial velocity method

• C) Astrometry

• D) Echolocation

Section 2: Basics of Artificial Intelligence

• What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

• A) A type of advanced computer game

• B) The simulation of human intelligence by machines

• C) A natural intelligence found in animals

• D) A new planet classification system

• In which field is AI NOT commonly used?

• A) Healthcare

• B) Agriculture

• C) Astronomy

• D) Candle making

Section 3: AI in Exoplanet Discovery

• How does AI help in discovering exoplanets?

• A) By building new telescopes

• B) By analyzing large datasets quickly and accurately

• C) By communicating with alien life forms

• D) By sending robots to space

• Which mission used AI to discover exoplanets?

• A) Apollo 11

• B) Voyager

• C) Kepler

• D) Hubble

Section 4: Hands-on Activity

• What is a light curve?

• A) The trajectory of a spaceship

• B) A graph showing a star’s brightness over time

• C) A new AI model

• D) The orbit path of an exoplanet

• What is a common challenge when using AI to discover exoplanets?

• A) AI cannot be used for this purpose

• B) AI models often produce false positives

• C) Lack of available data

• D) AI takes too long to analyze data

Section 5: Reflection

• What did you find most interesting about using AI in astronomy?

• A) The use of telescopes

• B) The speed and accuracy of data analysis

• C) The role of astronauts

• D) The cost of AI technology

• Do you think AI will be important for future scientific discoveries?

• A) Yes, because it improves efficiency and accuracy

• B) No, because it is too complicated

• C) Maybe, depending on future technology

• D) No, because it is not reliable

Additional Notes:

• Write any questions or thoughts you have during the lesson.