How can I use outdoor learning in meteorite lessons?

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Run a strewn field hunt with replicas, make scale models of the Solar System across the playground, map a fireball path and test rocks found on the school grounds.

Getting outside brings meteorite topics to life and suits many learning styles.

Strewn field hunt. Before the lesson, scatter replica meteorites, painted stones or coloured counters across the field in an elongated ellipse, with larger ones at one end and smaller ones at the other. Tell pupils a fireball has passed overhead in a certain direction. In teams, they walk in lines a few metres apart to search, record each find's position on a map or with GPS, and weigh it. Back inside, they plot the strewn field and discuss why larger fragments travelled further.

Solar System scale walk. Using a scale, such as 1 metre for every 10 million kilometres, pupils place markers for the Sun, planets and the asteroid belt across the playground or field. The asteroid belt falls between about 31 and 49 metres from the Sun. The vast spaces surprise pupils.

Fireball mapping. Two groups stand at different points and point to a 'fireball' object, such as a kite or a ball thrown in an arc. They record angles and use them later to find its position by triangulation.

Rock survey. Pupils collect loose stones from the school grounds, with permission, and test them with magnets, looking for features. They discuss why none are likely to be meteorites.

Crater experiments. Use a sand pit or a large tray of sand outdoors for bigger crater experiments with larger balls.

Safety. Agree boundaries, check the area for hazards, supervise carefully and ensure appropriate clothing.

How can I use outdoor learning in meteorite lessons?

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