Galactic Discovery Day Kickoff - Begin with a dramatic reading from 'Hail Mary' to ignite curiosity about extraterrestrial life. Rotate through interactive stations featuring virtual reality tours and simulations of various planets. (45 min)

Planet Assignment and Initial Research - Assign each student a planet to focus on. Guide students in starting their research by identifying key characteristics: size, orbit, and rotation. (20 min)

Data Analysis Introduction - Teach students how to analyze and interpret data related to planetary scale properties, setting the foundation for their research. (25 min)

Research Session: Atmosphere and Surface Temperature - Students continue their research, focusing on their planet's atmosphere and surface temperature. Facilitate access to scientific databases and resources. (30 min)

Reflection and Journal Entry - Students write a journal entry reflecting on their findings about their planet's atmosphere and temperature, connecting these to the potential for supporting life. (15 min)

Exploring Moons and Rings - Guide students to investigate their planet's moons or rings, helping them understand their formation and significance. (25 min)

Group Discussion: Implications for Life - Host a facilitated discussion where students share insights about their planet's characteristics and brainstorm potential implications for extraterrestrial life. (20 min)

Space Mission Exploration - Research and document any space missions sent to their assigned planet. Encourage students to consider the missions' objectives and findings. (25 min)

Peer Feedback Session - Students present their research progress to peers in small groups, receiving constructive feedback to deepen their understanding and refine their focus. (20 min)

Data Visualization Workshop - Teach students how to create charts and graphs to visually represent their research findings on planetary characteristics. Students will work on visualizing data related to size, orbit, and atmosphere. (25 min)

Peer Review and Feedback - Students exchange their visualizations with peers for constructive feedback, focusing on clarity and accuracy. Encourage students to use feedback to refine their visual presentations. (20 min)

Exploring Human Impact - Introduce students to scientific principles for monitoring and minimizing human impact on planetary environments. Discuss potential human activities that could affect their assigned planet. (30 min)

Design Challenge - In small groups, students brainstorm and sketch innovative methods for reducing human impact on their assigned planet, considering its unique characteristics. (15 min)

Fact Sheet Development - Guide students as they begin assembling their fact sheets or posters, integrating research on size, orbit, atmosphere, and potential for life. Students should use previous feedback to enhance their work. (25 min)

Self-Reflection and Journaling - Students write a reflective journal entry on their design challenge solutions and how their understanding of human impact has evolved. (20 min)

Final Touches on Fact Sheets/Posters - Provide time for students to finalize their projects, incorporating all research elements and ensuring clarity and creativity in presentation. (25 min)

Practice Presentation - Students rehearse their presentations in pairs, focusing on communicating their findings effectively and confidently. (20 min)

Cosmic Gallery Walk Preparation - Set up the classroom for the 'Cosmic Gallery Walk' exhibition, organizing student displays and ensuring each presentation is ready for viewing. (20 min)

Cosmic Gallery Walk Exhibition - Host the exhibition where students present their fact sheets or posters to peers, parents, and teachers, collecting feedback via sticky notes. Facilitate discussions around the implications of human impact on extraterrestrial environments. (25 min)