What are good meteorite science fair projects?
Good projects include crater experiments, density studies, meteor counting, micrometeorite searches, rust prevention trials and modelling fireball triangulation.
A strong science fair project asks a clear question, controls variables and presents data honestly. Meteorites offer many options at different levels.
Younger pupils (ages 7 to 11): - How does drop height or ball size affect crater size in flour? - Does a meteorite-like rock attract a magnet more than other rocks? Test a collection with a magnet on a string. - How many meteors can we see during a shower, and does the number change through the evening?
Middle years (ages 11 to 14): - Does the angle of impact change crater shape? Fire balls from a ramp into sand at different angles. - Which storage method best prevents iron from rusting? Compare iron nails in dry boxes with silica gel, sealed bags and open air. - Can we find possible micrometeorites in roof dust? Use sieves, magnets and microscopes, and be careful about claims.
Older students (ages 14 to 18): - Use photographs of a fireball from two locations to estimate its height by triangulation. - Measure meteor rates by radio, using forward scatter from a distant transmitter. - Model kinetic energy and crater size using published scaling relationships. - Compare density measurements of different rock types with published meteorite values.
Encourage students to research background information, record methods carefully, repeat measurements and discuss sources of error. Safety must be planned in advance: no heating, acids or cutting of specimens, and proper supervision for any outdoor or night-time work.
More about for teachers
- How can I use fireballs in maths lessons?
- How do I talk about asteroid impacts without frightening pupils?
- How can pupils observe craters on the Moon?
- How can pupils become citizen scientists in meteor research?
- How can I explain the age of the Earth using meteorites?
- How can I teach half-life using a classroom model?