Curated OER
Regolith Formation
Students explain the difference between regolith formation on Earth and the Moon. For this space science lesson, students model the different factors affecting regolith formation on Earth. They identify the different types of weathering.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
The Zarkah Stone
Astronomy stars read the account of the Zarkah meteorite that struck thickly populated Park Forest, Chicago in 2003. In doing so, they differentiate between meteors, meteorites, and meteoroids. They will also be able to explain...
Curated OER
Follow the Falling Meteorite
Students use triangulation method to locate meteorite landing site on the map. In this earth science lesson, students participate in a meteorite treasure hunt set up by the teacher. They explain how this method is used by scientists to...
Curated OER
Edible Rocks
Students create meteorite models using candy bars. For this earth science lesson, students describe the physical features of a meteorite. They sketch it and write a short description about it.
Curated OER
Changes Inside Planets
Students relate meteorites to the mantle and crust of asteroids. For this planetary lesson students complete experiments to model the separation of light.
Curated OER
Searching for Meteorites
Students examine meteorites and attempt to recover meteorite fragments. In this space instructional activity students complete a demonstration on the impact of a meteorite using water balloons and make experimental predictions.
Curated OER
Edible Rocks, Munchy Meteorites
Students observe candy samples and attempt to match them to their descriptions. In this meteorite lesson, students are introduced to meteorite terminology with candy samples. They describe the candies in their own words and work together...
Curated OER
Our Moon
In this space science activity, students use the clues given at the bottom of the sheet to solve the crossword puzzle on our moon. They name another name for the moon and the moon's gravity compared to that of the earth.
Curated OER
Solar System
In this Solar System worksheet, students are quizzed. Students answer questions about the solar system and the planets and other celestial bodies that comprise it.
Curated OER
Meteor, Meteoroid, Meteorite: What's the Difference?
Students explore the difference between a meteor, meteorite and meteoroid. In this space science instructional activity, students first read information about these space bodies. Students make Comet Cookies and use them to model a meteor...
Curated OER
Solar System 2
In this space worksheet, students identify and locate vocabulary terms and names related to the Solar System. There are 31 words located in the puzzle.
Curated OER
Using Triangulation to Locate Meteorites from Witnessed Falls
High schoolers participate in a mock investigation in which they must interview and record data given by 3 people ("witnesses") in an effort to triangulate the location of a meteorite.
Curated OER
Follow The Falling Meteorite
Middle schoolers investigate the supposed traveling path of a meteorite. They use sound in order to triangulate the path. The results of the experiment are written on a map to display the path of the meteorite. The culminating activity...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences: Solar System
A university-level course that looks at the structure of the solar system, the sun, the planets, and other bodies in space. Includes course readings, assignments, and study notes.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Craters and Meteorites
Have you ever heard that the moon is made of cheese? Even though the craters on the surface of the moon resemble holes in Swiss cheese, we know that this common myth is not true. Find out how craters are formed and why they are different...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History: Department of Mineral Sciences Collections
A searchable database of minerals and gems. Search by keyword or pre-defined characteristics. A Help section is available as well for aid in searching.
NASA
Nasa Star Child: Meteoroids (Level 1)
Use this site to find out where falling stars come from. Audio content included. Vocabulary words linked to a glossary of terms. Printable version available.
NASA
Dawn Mission: Dawn Classrooms: Meteorites
NASA explores meteorites, including discussions on their composition and origin.
Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum: Meteorites
As an online exhibit on meteorites, this site provides a series of topics on meteors answering questions such as what is a meteor, to providing information on types of meteors and studying meteors.
NASA
Nasa: Our Solar System Lithograph Set
View a lithograph set that includes pictures and brief descriptions of planets, sun, asteroids, comets, meteors, and meteorites. While viewing the lithograph learn important dates and interesting facts about our solar system.
NASA
Nasa: Solar System Exploration
Enter our solar system to interact with the planets, moons, asteroids, meteors, and more. Investigate with NASA scientists and explore missions related to space exploration. Read facts, compare statistics, look through resources, and...
NASA
Nasa: Russia Meteor Not Linked to Asteroid Flyby
The large fireball observed on the morning of Feb. 15, 2013, in the skies near Chelyabinsk, Russia, was caused by a relatively small asteroid that entered Earth's atmosphere at high speed and at a shallow angle. Preliminary information...
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Berkeley Lab: The Fruitful & Inventive Mind of Scientist Luis Alvarez
This article, reprinted from the fall 1979 LBL News Magazine, was written about Dr. Luis Alvarez and his part in the study of geological sediments and the great extinctions.