How can I run a meteorite or space-rock club?
Plan a mix of practical activities, observing, guest talks, projects and trips over a term, keeping sessions hands-on and building towards a showcase.
A space-rock club can enthuse pupils who love science and draw in others who prefer hands-on activities.
Structure. Run weekly or fortnightly sessions of 45 to 60 minutes. Plan a term-long programme with a theme, such as 'journey of a meteorite', and finish with a display, assembly or open evening.
Session ideas. - Crater experiments with different variables. - Making scale models of the Solar System or of asteroids from clay. - 'Meteorite or meteorwrong?' identification challenges. - Density measurements and magnet tests. - Building a simple radio meteor detector with older pupils. - Searching for possible micrometeorites in roof dust, with staff collecting the samples. - Designing a planetary defence mission. - Watching recorded fireball videos and estimating speed and direction. - Writing and illustrating a club magazine.
Observing. Arrange at least one evening session around a meteor shower or a good view of the Moon, with parents or carers invited.
Guests and trips. Invite a local astronomer, geologist or museum educator, perhaps by video. Visit a museum with a meteorite collection or a planetarium.
Projects. Encourage pupils to choose a project to present at a science fair. Recognise achievements with certificates or a club badge.
Practicalities. Complete risk assessments, store specimens securely and dry, and keep simple records. Club resources do not need to be expensive: flour, marbles, magnets, hand lenses and a few inexpensive meteorite pieces go a long way.
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