What should I do if a pupil brings in a rock they think is a meteorite?
Welcome their curiosity, look at it together using simple observations, record where it was found and, if it looks promising, suggest the family contact a museum.
This is a wonderful teaching moment, whatever the rock turns out to be.
Be encouraging. Praise the pupil for being curious and observant. Most suspected meteorites are Earth rocks, but the process of checking teaches real science.
Gather information. Ask where and when it was found, whether it was seen falling, and whether there are other similar pieces. Note this down.
Observe together. Look for the main signs of a meteorite: weight heavy for its size, a thin black or brown crust, rounded shape without sharp edges, attraction to a magnet, and, on a broken face, metal flecks or small round chondrules. Look also for signs against: bubbles or holes, layers, quartz crystals, a red-brown streak on an unglazed tile, or a glassy, shiny appearance like slag.
Do not damage it. Avoid cutting, breaking, scratching, heating or applying acid. If it is a meteorite, damage reduces its scientific and monetary value.
Next steps. If several signs are promising, suggest the family contact a local or national museum or a university earth sciences department, many of which offer identification services or events. Recommend sending clear photographs first, with a scale, rather than posting the rock.
Use it in class. With permission, you could photograph the rock and use it in a 'meteorite or meteorwrong?' lesson, comparing it with known examples.
Even if it is a meteorwrong, encourage the pupil to keep collecting and learning about rocks.
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