S3.12.7 For the adult
Moons, asteroids and comets
A shooting star flashes across the sky. Is it a star that is falling?
What this chapter teaches
Moons go round planets. Dwarf planets are round but share their path with others. Asteroids are rocky lumps, mostly in a belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are icy balls whose tails point away from the Sun. A shooting star is a meteor, a bit of rock or dust burning up in the air.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What is a shooting star really?
- Which way does a comet's tail point, and why?
- What is the difference between a planet and a dwarf planet?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Describe moons, dwarf planets, asteroids and comets
- Explain what a shooting star really is
What they copy into their notebook
Moons orbit planets. Asteroids are rocks, mostly between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are icy and their tails point away from the Sun. A shooting star is a meteor, burning up.