Curated OER
The Appearance of the Moon
Third graders watch a demonstration on how craters were formed on the moon. Individually, they care given a set of materials that represent the moon surface and make their own craters. To end the lesson, they measure the size of the...
Curated OER
"Space" Investigations
Sixth graders understand the patterns of change observable on Earth as a result of the movement of the different bodies in the solar system. They identify the physical characteristics of the different components of the solar system.
Curated OER
Solar System
In this Solar System worksheet, 5th graders demonstrate knowledge of parts of the Solar System. Students unscramble letters to list these parts.
Curated OER
The Vocabulary of Space
Students build their knowledge and understanding of vocabulary related to space. In this space lesson, students discuss four categories of words and phrases related to space.
Teachers TryScience
Teachers Try Science: Comet Cratering
Use marbles to discover how comets and asteroids make impact craters. This hands-on experiment is easy to do and gives you many variations to try. Included are links to additional information.
Other
Killer Asteroid Project: Asteroids and Comets
Explains the differences between asteroids and comets. Presents a chart showing a size comparison between some known asteroids and comets.
NASA
Nasa: Asteroids: Overview: Ancient Space Rubble
Comprehensive look at asteroids, with many useful facts, photos, and related links. Provides a detailed account of how asteroids get their names and a timeline of significant dates.
Other
University of Leicester: Comets, Asteroids & Meteorites
Provides a general overview of comets, asteroids, and meteorites. Content includes ways to identify them in the night sky, as well as detailed information on each type of small body.
Space Telescope Science Institute
Amazing Space: Comets
Amazing Science provides teachers with facts about comets that they can use as a reference or to stimulate class discussion. The science questions support the instructional activity's activities.
Nine Planets
The Nine Planets: Comets
A detailed description of comets, their distinct parts, and the known comets in our solar system. Links are also provided for additional information on related subjects.
Read Works
Read Works: Asteroid Attack!
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about asteroids. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Cosmos 4 kids
Cosmos4 Kids: Solar System Details: Asteroids
Learn about asteroids. What are they? What is their structure? Difference between asteroids and comets? The brief, to the point text makes this site most suitable for the younger researcher.
PBS
Pbs: Nova: Doomsday Asteroid: Comets 101
An introduction to comets, including information on their composition, origin, and importance.
PBS
Nova: Doomsday Asteroid Hale Bopp & Hyakutake
NOVA provides a report on comet Hale-Bopp and comet Hyakutake. Content includes discovery and observational information.
NASA
Nasa: Solar System
This resource provides a general overview of all the planets in the solar system, as well as the sun, various comets and asteroids, the deep space network, and the latest solar system news.
California Institute of Technology
Spitzer Science Center: Super Comet or Big Asteroid Belt?
This image, titled "Super-Comet or Big Asteroid Belt?" features a chart representing what could either be a large comet or a cluster of asteroids. The text under the image details various specifics about the picture.
NASA
Nasa Space Place: Asteroid or Meteor: What's the Difference?
Learn the difference between asteroids and comets, meteoroids and meteorites, and more!
Cosmos 4 kids
Cosmos4 Kids: Solar System Details: Comets
All about comets! What are they? How do they occur? What are their effects in the solar system? The brief, easy to understand text make this site most suitable for the younger researcher.
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Zoom Astronomy: All About Space
A fantastic collection of information about the solar system. Includes information on all of the planets, the moon, the sun, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, and stars. Also find puzzles, a dictionary, quizzes, classroom activities, and...
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.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Asteroids, Comets and Meteors
A brief vocabulary overview describing the difference between asteroids, comets, and meteors.
National Earth Science Teachers Association
Windows to the Universe: Origin of Jupiter's Rings
University of Michigan and Windows to the Universe offers information showing that with the help of the Galileo spacecraft, scientists figured out that the rings are made from dust that was kicked off of the small moons surrounding...
Cosmos 4 kids
Cosmos4 kids.com: Solar System Details
This comprehensive site delves into other aspects of our solar system besides the planets and the sun. Click on the topics on the right like solar winds, the heliosphere, the heliopause, asteroids, comets, and more.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Asteroids, Meteoroids, and Comets
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this flipchart students will compare and contrast asteroids, meteoroids, and comets. They will also learn about their origins. Assessment questions are included.