Exploring the Solar System: Craters
Source Institutions
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NISE Network
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"Exploring the Solar System: Craters" is an active, hands-on activity that demonstrates how craters form, and what they can teach us about the history and composition of planets and moons. By dropping objects of various sizes and shapes into a tub full of sand and other materials, participants simulate the formation of a meteorite crater, and then study the craters using special tools. Scientists use similar methods to study the geological processes on other planets, moons, and asteroids.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 4 - 14
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 12-inch by 9-inch shallow container
- 3 lb white play sand
- Iron filings in container
- Whitener powder detergent (such as OxyCleanTM) and MDS sheet
- Safety goggles
- Marbles (3) in three sizes (small, medium, large)
- Angular gravel pieces (3) in three sizes (small, medium, large)
- Ultraviolet flashlight
- Tongs
- Magnetic applicator tool
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Astronomy
- Earth's History
- Geologic Time
- Earth, Moon and Sun
- Solar System
- The Moon
- The Planets
- Asteroids and Comets
Other
This resource is part of:
- Explore Science: Earth & Space toolkit
- 2018 Explore Science: Earth & Space toolkit
- NISE Network Catalog
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- National Informal STEM Education Network
Source Collection:
- NISE Network
Rights:
- Creative Commons, National Informal STEM Education Network, 2018
Funding Source:
- NASA, NNX16AC67A
