Episode 4
th
26 February 2013
Activity
Space Rock
Key Learning
Students will research the difference between meteoroids, asteroids and comets and how sudden geological
changes in the solar system can affect Earth’s surface.
The Australian Curriculum > Science / Science Understanding / Earth and space sciences
Content description
General capabilities
Literacy
Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions
can affect Earth’s surface. Code ACSSU096
Critical and creative thinking
Numeracy
The Australian Curriculum > Science / Science as a Human Endeavour / Nature and development
of science
Content description
General capabilities
Literacy
Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and
using evidence to develop explanations of events and
phenomena. Codes ACSHE098, ACSHE081
Critical and creative thinking
Focus Questions
1. A meteor recently exploded above what country?
2. Describe the damage that was caused by the meteor.
3. The force of the meteor that recently exploded was 16 times bigger than an ________ bomb.
4. How are asteroids, meteoroids and comets different?
5. What are meteoroids and asteroids generally made from?
6. Between what two planets would you normally find asteroids?
a. Mars and Jupiter
b. Earth and Mars
c.
Saturn and Uranus
7. When a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere it’s called a _____________.
8. How are meteorites valuable to scientists?
9. Many scientists believe that a major collision between asteroids and the Earth 66 million years ago
contributed to the extinction of what species?
10. What was surprising about this story?
©ABC 2013
Activities
Before students begin the activity, hold a class discussion about the recent news story and then ask what
they know and what they want to find out.
Remember and Understand
Watch the BtN story Space Rock and summarise the story in your own words. Watch the story again and
listen carefully. Circle each of the following words as you hear them. Record any unfamiliar words.
meteoroid
comet
asteroid
meteor
atmosphere
Earth
meteorite
astronomy
planet
Solar System
crater
orbit
Ask students to write what they think is the meaning of each word (including unfamiliar words). Swap
definitions with a partner and ask them to add to or change the definition. Check these against the dictionary
definition.
Further activities for students:
Write your own sentences using the key words.
Illustrate the difference between a meteoroid, meteor and meteorite.
Draw a diagram which illustrates the scale of asteroids, meteors, Earth, the sun and other planets.
Discover where you can find asteroids and comets in the solar system in relation to the sun
o Image # 1 – http://4.bp.blogspot.com/1REcDJnp3As/ULbcDYrmVFI/AAAAAAAAAjM/CnUWM4fU5iA/s1600/the_planets.jpg
o Image #2 – http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/multimedia/gallery/Asteroid_Belt.jpg
Venn Diagram
Complete the Venn diagram below to show as much as you know about meteoroids, asteroids and comets.
Remember to use overlapping parts of the diagram to show what they have in common.
Meteoroid
Comet
©ABC 2013
Asteroid
Research a well-known comet or meteor shower
Ask students to choose a well-known comet /meteor shower or select one of the following:
Halley’s comet
Swift-Tuttle comet
Perseids meteor shower
Quadrantids meteor shower
Lyrids meteor shower
Ask students to conduct research and present their findings in an interesting way. Here are some research
questions:
o Who first discovered it?
o When does it occur?
o When do astronomers predict we will next see this comet/meteor?
o Is it visible with or without a telescope?
o What is it made up of?
o How fast does it travel?
o What size is it? What is the diameter?
o Illustrate its orbital path.
Further research questions
Conduct research on the following questions and write your own “Did you know?” facts sheet to add to your
classroom library.
What is a meteor shower?
What is meant by the term asteroid belt?
Did you know the word "comet" comes from the Greek word "kometes" meaning long hair and
referring to the tail? Investigate where the words asteroid and meteoroid come from.
How often do meteoroids enter the Earth’s atmosphere?
Do you need a telescope to see a meteor? What are the best viewing conditions when looking for
meteors?
Further Investigation
Make your own impact craters and figure out how scientists can tell so much about the meteorites that create
craters http://www.csiro.au/en/Portals/Education/Programs/Do-it-yourself-science/Earth-and-space-sciencesactivites/star-power-activity.aspx
What happened to the dinosaurs? What would life on Earth be like if the Chicxulub meteor had missed the
Earth? Conduct research into the meteor that contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs.
http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/prehistoric-world/dinosaur-extinction/
 Related Research Links
CBBC Newsround - Meteor falls over Russia
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/21471738
NASA – All about meteors and meteorites
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/kids/index.cfm?Filename=byoss
©ABC 2013
NASA – Asteroids, Comets and Meteorites: Educational Materials
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbysubject/Asteroids_Comets_Meteorites_lan
dingpage.html
NASA – Meteors & Meteorites: Overview
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Meteors
NASA – Asteroids: Overview
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Asteroids
Science Kids – Space Object Differences
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/space/cometasteroidmeteoroiddifferences.html
National Geographic kids – Comets or Meteors Quiz
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/games/puzzlesquizzes/quizyournoodle-comets-and-meteors/
Australian Museum – Meteors and Meteorites
http://www.australianmuseum.net.au/Meteors-and-Meteorites/
©ABC 2013