Rocks from space
Sometimes a bigger space rock does not burn up. A piece lands on the ground. It is called a meteorite.
- Say what a meteorite is.
- Know that most meteorites come from asteroids.
- Know that meteorites are very, very old.
Links to: Year 1 science, everyday materials: naming rock and metal.
A rock that lands
Most space rocks burn up high in the sky. But if a rock is big enough, a piece can survive. It falls all the way to the ground.
A space rock that lands on Earth is called a meteorite. Say it: MEE-tee-or-ite. You can hold a meteorite in your hand!
Where they come from
Out in space, far away, there are lots of big rocks going around the Sun. They are called asteroids. When asteroids bump into each other, small pieces break off. Some pieces fly towards Earth.
A very few meteorites come from the Moon or from the planet Mars.
Very, very old
Most meteorites are older than the dinosaurs. They are even older than the oldest rocks you can find on Earth. They were made when the Sun and the planets were brand new.
Make a 'meteorite' from play dough or clay. Make it lumpy, not smooth. Rub a little black crayon or paint on the outside, because many real meteorites have a dark skin. Tell a grown-up the story of your meteorite: where did it come from?
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 a meteorite?
A meteorite is a piece of space rock that survived and landed on the ground.
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Question 2Can you hold a meteor in your hand?
A meteor is light in the sky. You can only hold a meteorite, the rock that lands.
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Question 3Where do most meteorites come from?
Most meteorites are pieces broken off asteroids.
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Question 4What are asteroids?
Asteroids are rocky or metal objects that travel around the Sun.
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Question 5Are meteorites older than dinosaurs?
Most meteorites were made when the Sun and planets were brand new, long before dinosaurs.