Start the lesson with an engaging question: 'What do you think happens when a rock from space enters Earth's atmosphere?' This will spark curiosity and set the stage for the topic.
Go to the LessonLearning Objectives
- Understand the characteristics and composition of asteroids, including their size range and location in the solar system.
- Differentiate between meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites, and describe the processes they undergo when entering Earth's atmosphere.
- Identify the components and behavior of comets, including the formation of a coma and their orbit within the Kuiper belt.
- Explore the significance of Ceres as the largest object in the asteroid belt and its potential for signs of life.
- Analyze the impact history of meteoroids on Earth and other rocky planets as evidenced by craters.
Introduction and Hook
Direct Instruction
Explain the characteristics and composition of asteroids, focusing on their size range and location in the solar system, particularly the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Discuss the differences between meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites, and describe the processes they undergo when entering Earth's atmosphere.
Guided Exploration
Watch the video 'The Solar System' to understand the broader context of where asteroids, meteoroids, and comets fit within our solar system.
Guide students through a discussion on the significance of Ceres as the largest object in the asteroid belt and its potential for signs of life.
Hands-On Activity
Have students create models of comets using common materials to demonstrate the formation of a coma and tail when near the Sun.
Engage students in a crater-making activity using flour and small rocks to simulate meteoroid impacts on planetary surfaces.
Independent Practice
Check for Understanding
Conduct a quick quiz using the 'Try the Quiz' button to assess students' understanding of the differences between asteroids, meteoroids, and comets.
Try the QuizReview and Reflection
Encourage students to reflect on what they have learned by writing a short paragraph about the most interesting fact they discovered about asteroids, meteoroids, or comets.
Assessment and Extension
For a comprehensive review, download the 'Review – The Universe' assessment pack, which includes various activities to reinforce the lesson's concepts.
Get the Assessment Pack