ABOUT US
About Julia
Lead instructor and founder Julia Brodsky is a researcher at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science. She holds an A.Sc. in science education, and an M.Sc in astrophysics.
Over the years, she has taught International Space Station astronauts and flight controllers, worked as a rocket scientist at NASA, helped out at NASA outreach centers, and worked as a math and science teacher at private schools and colleges. Julia is a recipient of the Silver Snoopy Award, presented by astronauts for outstanding performance, contributing to flight safety and mission success.
Julia homeschooled her own children for several years, founded a math circle for K-5 kids, wrote a book on informal math education, and presented at Mathematical Sciences Research Institute at UC Berkeley, and international astrobiology and space research conferences.
She loves writing books and blogs on science and math, and sharing her courses and webinars with anybody who wants to listen.
What Is Astrobiology?
The focus of astrobiology is the exploration of new worlds – the perfect preparation for a future driven by multi-faceted change.
It presents a holistic view of the world, bringing together the sciences of cosmology, astronomy, physics, biology, geology and paleontology.
Want to know more? Check out our Curriculum and FAQ.
Why Astrobiology?
We use astrobiology to introduce system thinking, inviting our students to delve into the exciting world of complexity, emergence, and self-organization on all scales.
This newly emergent science provides young students with the tools to question their reality, reflect on their position in space and time, and encourages students to see the world from a very different, “alien” viewpoint.
As the world around us grows more complex and unpredictable, the study of astrobiology prepares students for the mental resilience, intrinsic motivation, and self-awareness that they will need to meet new challenges.
Want to know more? Check out our Philosophy and FAQ.
Publications by Julia ( and about Julia)
Playing with the Unknown: Astrobiology for young students
Astrobiology Education - why, when, how? (video talk)
Educating the Citizens of the Universe
Cognitive Astrobiology for Children
Why Students Should Be Taught Systems Thinking in Kindergarten
Space-Inspired Systems Thinking for 10-13 yr olds
Astrobiology, Complexity and Emergence for Middle School
From chocolate ice cream to NASA (an interview for the Marabou camp)
Astrobiology in the classroom (podcast)
Astrobiology for kids (podcast)
Teaching kids AI (Youtube interview)
Developing Math Talent in Very Young Kids
Online Science Educator (NSTA magazine)
How to help children to survive in a fast-changing, unpredictable world (TV interview, in Russian)