Scientists have been thinking about mining for minerals and other resources from asteroids. There are millions of asteroids orbiting the Sun, which means they could be new sources for materials used in manufacturing as well as in harnessing energy. How do you think mining resources from asteroids might change our lives?
Why do you think that many dinosaur species became extinct, while some other species, such as smaller mammals, survived and thrived after the impact caused by the asteroid?
Work in groups to investigate the impact craters formed by different objects. You will need a box containing flour with a thin upper layer of cocoa powder, which represents Earth’s crust. You will also need a marble, tennis ball and ball bearing, which represent asteroids of different sizes and masses.
1. Measure and record the masses and diameters of the objects – marble, tennis ball and ball bearing.
2. Hold each object, one at a time, 50 cm above the box containing the flour and cocoa powder. Then release it.
3. Measure the size and depth of the impact crater created by each object.
4. Take videos of the formation of the impact craters, if possible. View the videos at a slower speed. Observe the debris that was ejected from the impact each time.
5. What can you conclude about the mass and size of the object that caused the most impact?
Caution: Do this investigation outside, in an open area. Make sure that there is no one near the box when you throw or drop the items. Wear your safety goggles.
A star can live for millions to billions of years. In groups, research the life cycle of a specific star using the Internet or other sources of information. Present your findings in a chart with a poster and discuss these questions.
1. What is the type of star you have researched on? State its colour, type and size.
Descriptions:
- It has an iron core and is less dense than Earth.
- It is the birthplace of stars such as the Sun.
- It is often found between Mars and Jupiter in the Solar System.
- The gases in it comprise mostly hydrogen, with a small quantity of helium and dust.
Sentences A–F describe the stages in which a star is formed. The sentences are in the wrong order.
A. The particles in the core react and release light and heat in the process.
B. The clump attracts more matter due to its gravity.
C. Clouds of dust and gas form into a clump.
D. The new star lights up the surrounding dust and gas.
E. When there is enough matter in the clump, the clump collapses and heats up.
F. The clump becomes the core of a new star.
Complete the boxes to show the correct order. The first one has been done for you.
