Be a meteorite detective
Scientists are like detectives. They look for clues and stay safe. In this last lesson you will learn how to be a meteorite detective.
- Name clues that a rock might be a meteorite.
- Know the safety rules for unusual rocks.
- Know who can help check a rock.
Links to: Working scientifically: observing closely, identifying and classifying, and using observations to answer questions.
Look for clues
A detective looks very carefully. Here are some meteorite clues:
It has a thin dark skin on the outside, like burnt toast.
It feels heavy for its size.
It does not have lots of little holes or bubbles.
Most rocks you find are not meteorites, and that is fine. Every rock has its own story.
Stay safe
Good detectives stay safe. Always ask a grown-up before you pick up a rock you do not know. Never put a rock in your mouth. Do not hit it with a hammer. Wash your hands afterwards.
Only look for rocks where you are allowed to be, with a grown-up.
Ask an expert
If you think you have found a meteorite, take a photo of it. Write down where you found it. Then a grown-up can ask a museum to have a look. Museums love to see new finds.
Make a detective kit: a magnifying glass (or just your eyes), a notebook, a pencil and a camera or phone (with a grown-up). Go outside and choose three interesting stones. Draw each one and write two words about it, such as dark, light, heavy, smooth or bumpy.
Quiz
5 questions. Choose an answer to see whether you are right and why. Finish the quiz to complete the lesson.
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Question 1What is one clue that a rock could be a meteorite?
Many meteorites have a thin dark skin made as they fell through the air.
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Question 2What should you do before picking up a rock you do not know?
Always ask a grown-up first to stay safe.
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Question 3Should you ever put a rock in your mouth?
Rocks can be dirty or harmful. Never put one in your mouth.
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Question 4Who can check if a rock is really a meteorite?
Museums have experts who can look at a rock and tell what it is.
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Question 5What should you write down if you find an interesting rock?
Scientists need to know exactly where a rock was found.