In the last decade, efforts to understand the origins of life on Earth have become more urgent. The discovery of extra-solar planets, information transmitted by remote landing craft on Mars and Titan detecting evidence for life, and the exploration of extreme terrestrial environments all have highlighted the need for a better understanding of the very definition of life, as well as the factors that led to its emergence. Scientists from four research institutions – Carnegie Institution, George Mason University, University of Colorado, and University of Illinois – working under a National Science Foundation grant administered by the Santa Fe Institute (SFI), are advancing our understanding of the geochemical pathways that may have been involved in the origin of life on Earth.

SFI and George Mason University have joined forces to conduct this workshop, the purpose of which is to deliver new information on this topic to current high school science teachers to help them inspire the next generation of scientists. Participants in the workshop will hear from research scientists and will receive training on curricular units developed by a team of educational experts.