Chapter 11, Lesson 4 - Asteroids, Comets, & Meteoroids

Standards Covered - 8th Grade Physical Science

CA State Standard 8.4.c - Students know how to use astronomical units and light years as measures of distances between the Sun, stars, and Earth.
CA State Standard 8.4.e - Students know the appearance, general composition, relative position and size, and motion of objects in the solar system, including planets, planetary satellites, comets, and asteroids.

(Click image to enlarge)

Introduction
     Besides planets, what other celestial objects are floating around our solar system?  Check out the table below to get an overview of the content of this lesson!

(Image taken from Focus on physical science (Teacher wraparound ed., pp. 458-503). (2007). Our Solar System. )

Lesson 

Needed:  Computer, internet connection, online materials linked in the activities, piece of paper, pencil or pen.

1. Learn about asteroids and comets by watching a brief video located here.
2. Watch this video and pay special attention to the components that make up a comet.
3. Check out some useful facts about asteroids as you explore Asteroid Vesta here.  
4. Complete this interactive lesson on comets.
5. Read Chapter 11, Lesson 4 in your text. Here is the online copy of Chap 11 here. Lesson 4 starts on page 489.

Questions and Assignment

On a sheet of paper, answer the following questions:

1.      Distinguish between a meteor and a meteorite.
2.      How do you think our lives would be different if Earth had an orbit like that of a      comet?
3.      Explain why you think asteroids do not have an atmosphere.

Then, on the back of the paper, copy and fill in the graphic organizer below to distinguish between short period and long period comets.

                                   

     When you have completed the above questions and graph, you will bring completed assignment to next class session on Tuesday.
   
      As a final wrap-up, make sure to take the mini quiz located here.  (Choose the English or Spanish version, your choice)  After you complete the mini quiz, include me on the e-mail list by sending your results at jallen@sra.mn

Scoring/Rubric
      This assignment will be worth 160 points and will be graded by the rubric shown below.  Each section will have a 4 point maximum value for a grand total rubric score of 16 points.  I will multiply total rubric score by 10 to establish assignment score. (Ex. 15 (rubric pts.) x 10 (modifier) = 150 out of  160 available points.

(Click rubric to enlarge if needed)

Recommended/Additional Links

Chapter 11 E-Quiz

Chapter 11 Virtual Lab

Chapter 11 E-Flash Cards

The Robotic Exploration of Space

Mars Meteorites found on Earth

Resource

Focus on physical science (Teacher wraparound ed., pp. 458-503). (2007). Our Solar System. New York:        Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.