Asteroids, Comets & Dwarf Planets
Identify other objects in the solar system beyond planets: asteroids (rocky bodies mostly between Mars and Jupiter), comets (icy bodies with tails when near the Sun), and meteoroids/meteors/meteorites (space rocks that enter Earth’s atmosphere)
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“If your child saw a shooting star, could they explain that it’s actually a tiny space rock burning up in our atmosphere — and tell you the difference between that and a comet?”
Full guide and materials
- Activity. Identify other objects in the solar system beyond planets: asteroids (rocky bodies mostly between Mars and Jupiter), comets (icy bodies with tails when near the Sun), and meteoroids/meteors/meteorites (space rocks that enter Earth’s atmosphere)
What to notice. Describe asteroids as rocky bodies mostly found in the belt between Mars and Jupiter • Describe comets as icy bodies that develop a glowing tail when they approach the Sun • Explain the difference between a meteoroid (in space), meteor (streak of light in atmosphere), and meteorite (lands on Earth)
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If your child saw a shooting star, could they explain that it’s actually a tiny space rock burning up in our atmosphere — and tell you the difference between that and a comet?
Identify other objects in the solar system beyond planets: asteroids (rocky bodies mostly between Mars and Jupiter), comets (icy bodies with tails when near the Sun), and meteoroids/meteors/meteorites (space rocks that enter Earth’s atmosphere)
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Check understanding
- Describe asteroids as rocky bodies mostly found in the belt between Mars and Jupiter
- Describe comets as icy bodies that develop a glowing tail when they approach the Sun
- Explain the difference between a meteoroid (in space), meteor (streak of light in atmosphere), and meteorite (lands on Earth)
“If your child saw a shooting star, could they explain that it’s actually a tiny space rock burning up in our atmosphere — and tell you the difference between that and a comet?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Space Exploration
- Age range
- Ages 7–9