Another problem extremophiles have to face is keeping their cells alive in extremely cold temperatures. If the surrounding water freezes, then the concentration rises and the cells start to lose water trying to compensate the external pressure and they shrink to death. Strategies like concentrating sugars in their internal medium can help.

The activity is a three-step one:

Introductory session(1h). Driven by STEM teachers in class.

Is there water in Mars?

Session 1 (2h) Driven by the Science teachers in the lab

1. experimenting the osmosis

2. studying how can living things adapt to low temperatures

Session 2 (1h-1h 30min).Driven by the Science teachers in the class

1. discussing and applying the results of the experiment to some hypothetical forms of life in the outer space