Astronomy Lesson 24: Asteroids, Comets & Meteors

Reading:

Book of Astronomy & Space, pg. 38-41

     

Vocabulary:

Comet
Asteroid Belt
Meteor

Videos:

All About the Asteroid Belt:

A robot rover exploring comets & asteroids:

Space Rocks: Asteroids, Meteors & Meteorites:

Activity 1: Comet, Meteor, or Asteroid?

Read this simple explanation to find out the differences between a comet, meteor & asteroid. Then, do the fun project at the end to make your own comet out of dry ice.

Activity 2: Craters & Meteorites

Follow the link to investigate how the size of a meteorite is related to the size of crater it makes upon impact.

Supplies Needed:
- At least 3 spherical objects: rubber ball, baseball, roundish fruit (solid objects are better than hollow)
- metric ruler
- cardboard box (deep & larger than a shoebox)
- 10 lb. bag flour

Activity 3: Make Asteroids You Can Eat

Make your own asteroids out of mashed potatoes!

Activity 4: Make a Comet on a Stick

Supplies Needed:
- chopsticks or Popsicle stick
- metallic ribbon
- scissors
- aluminum foil