This classroom kit, designed by curriculum developers working with teachers and scientists from the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute, helps teachers guide students in the exploration of life through the multidisciplinary sciences of paleontology and exobiology. It reflects the real-life methods of science: making observations, performing experiments, building models, conducting simulations, changing previous ideas on the basis of new data, and using imagination. It brings into the classroom the excitement of searching for life beyond Earth which is a unifying theme that can unleash the imagination of students through integrated lessons in the physical, life, space, and social sciences. In the activities students explore Venus and Mars and learn why these two planets are the only ones in our solar system that could possibly harbor life. After simulating Venusian and Martian conditions, students investigate various means of detecting life in the atmosphere and soils of Earth. Findings are used to propose a spacecraft design for life detection on Venus and Mars and the results from the Viking missions are reviewed for a student analysis of whether there is life on Mars. This kit includes a teacher's guide, a videotape, zoom cards, and a full-color poster illustrating many important concepts and beautiful astronomical objects. (JRH)