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Planetary Science

Comet Mystery Boxes

This is an activity about comet composition. Learners will explore the physical characteristics of comets by reaching into a series of boxes and feeling the materials and structures within. They will describe what they observe and speculate on comet characteristics being modeled in each box, opening the discussion about the nature of these icy bodies and begin to compare them to other members of our solar system.Note: See Related & Supplemental Resources (right side of this page) for links to assembly instructions and worksheets needed to complete this activity.

Keywords: Stardust-NeXT
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Source
Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL)Last modified 2010
Audience
Education Level: Elementary school, Middle school, Informal education:Elementary school programming, Informal education:Middle school programming, Informal education:General public, Informal education:Youth public, Informal education:Families
Audience Refinement: Educator
Topics
Earth and space science:Solar system:Asteroids and comets Earth and space science:Solar system:Comparative planetology Earth and space science:Solar system:Planetary science
Resource Type
Activity, Instructor guide/manual, Lesson or lesson plan
Learning Time
5 to 10 minutes
Materials Cost
Instructional Strategies
Discussions
Hands-on learning
Open inquiry
Educational Standards
National Science Education Standards: Yes
Math Standards: No
Technology Standards: No
Geography Standards: No
Language
English (United States)
Rights
Access Restrictions: Free access

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Standards & Assessments

AAAS Benchmarks: 12D/P1, 12D/E7, 4A/M4
Assessments: Informal assessment, Peer evaluation

Related & Supplemental Resources

Additional Parts:

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