Howardites
Free course · Ages 11 to 14 (Years 7 to 9)

Key Stage 3: Meteorites and the Solar System

Twelve lessons for Years 7 to 9 that use meteorites to teach space physics, forces, density, energy, the rock cycle, elements and compounds, extinction and the science of space missions.

Start the first lesson Certificate

Meteorites connect almost every topic in Key Stage 3 science. This course uses them to practise the physics of gravity, forces, speed, energy and waves; the chemistry of elements, compounds, mixtures and rocks; and the biology of extinction. Most lessons include a worked calculation of the kind pupils meet in Years 7 to 9, using real data.

Work through the lessons in order, as later ones use ideas and calculations from earlier ones. Each takes about 45 to 60 minutes with the activity and quiz.

  1. The small bodies of the Solar SystemBetween and beyond the planets are millions of asteroids and comets. This lesson sets out where they are, how far away they are and how a piece of one becomes a meteorite.
  2. Gravity, weight and orbitsGravity holds the Solar System together and decides where meteorites end up. In this lesson you will calculate weight on different worlds and see how Jupiter sends asteroid fragments towards Earth.
  3. Speed and energy on entryA meteoroid arrives with enormous speed and kinetic energy. In this lesson you will calculate entry speeds and trace where all that energy goes.
  4. Drag, terminal velocity and dark flightAfter the bright fireball ends, a meteorite still has kilometres to fall. This lesson uses balanced and unbalanced forces to explain how fast it lands and where it ends up.
  5. Meteorites and the rock cycleGeologists sort Earth rocks into igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Meteorites can be described in the same way, which tells us what happened on their parent asteroids.
  6. Elements, compounds and mixtures in meteoritesMeteorites are made of the same chemical elements as Earth, combined in the same ways. This lesson uses them to practise elements, compounds and mixtures, and how to separate them.
  7. Density: a test you can measureMeteorites are usually denser than Earth rocks of the same size. In this lesson you will calculate density, measure volume by displacement and use the results as evidence.
  8. Inside a planet: cores, mantles and crustsNobody can drill to Earth's core, but meteorites let us hold pieces of the cores, mantles and crusts of other worlds. This lesson explains how layered worlds form.
  9. Investigating cratersImpact craters are found on every rocky world. In this lesson you will plan a fair investigation into crater size and connect it to the energy of real impacts.
  10. Impacts, environmental change and extinctionAbout 66 million years ago an asteroid impact changed Earth's environment so fast that three quarters of species died out. This lesson follows the evidence and links it to how extinction happens.
  11. Light, sound and meteor showersMeteors are seen instantly but heard minutes later, and some return on the same dates every year. This lesson uses waves and Earth's orbit to explain both.
  12. Missions to asteroidsSpacecraft have now visited asteroids, brought back samples and even pushed one off course. This final lesson shows how missions test what meteorites taught us.

How it links to what you study

Each lesson has learning goals, a short activity and a five-question quiz. Finish every quiz to unlock the printable certificate. Your progress is saved on this device only.