Comet Teacher Resources

Physics apprentices analyze the impact of NASA's Impactor as it collided with the comet Tempel 1 in July of 2005. They calculate the mass and speed of the comet, along with the distance it might drift off of its orbit over time. This...

What happens when a comet full of 'volatiles' comes to close to the sun? The volatiles ignite, creating a long gaseous tail. Are there differences between meteors and comets? Leading scientists and CG graphics help differentiate the two...

Why do scientists study comets, and why are they so important? We learn that comets delivered much of the water, material, and chemicals that helped shape our planet. They also contain frozen evidence that can tell the story of our...

Crystal ball or big, hairy, dirty snowball? Take young astronomy scholars on an up-close investigation of comets with a video. Topics include the makeup of comets and their two tails, long- and short-period comets, and how they interact...

What are comets, and where do they come from? Learn about short and long period comets, where they come from, and what they're made of. Dr. Alan Stern answers specific questions regarding comets we see and ones we don't. This is a...

Learners create a model of a comet. In this space science lesson, students compare their model to the characteristics of a real comet. They evaluate and make necessary modifications to their original design.

Here is an interactive book lesson through which learners explore the facts and stories about comets. The plan is comprehensive, providing background information, standards met, vocabulary, assessment ideas, and more. Though the content...

Students design an Aerogel model to capture clay particles. In this space science lesson, students discover what happens to comets as they hit a surface. They explain how the Aerogel technology would help scientists study comets better.

Since you can't go to the comet, bring the comet to you. Young scientists build models of comets using everyday materials and then participate in a simulation of the interaction between the comet and other bodies in the solar system....

Learners view a teacher demonstration of comet composition. In this comet science lesson, students watch as the teacher combines sand, ammonia, cola, and dry ice to simulate the composition of a comet. They answer discussion questions...

Young scientists investigate the elements found in our solar system and then construct a model of a comet. They apply their new knowledge to the formation of the solar system. 

Follow along as host Jessi and her mouse sidekick, Squeaks, examine space's comets and asteroids. Discover what they are made of, their size, where we can find them, and two of the more popular space objects of the group.

The comet's nucleus is tiny and quite dark, so how are scientists able to study them? Introduce your class to the scientific tools that make comet study a reality. While this clip begins to explore a fascinating topic, it is...

On Valentines Day in 2011, a NASA spacecraft met comet Temple 1. Introduce the class to the information, evidence, and technology needed to have a date with an orbiting comet. A great look into the science behind great discoveries.

As the dusty tail of a comet pass near Earth, particles fly off and burn up in Earth's atmosphere creating beautiful meteor showers. Learn about the Perseid Meteor Shower and the NASA space craft that make it possible for us to know when...

For thousands of years people have observed comets as they pass through the solar system, but could there be more to these celestial bodies than meets the eye? Watch this video to learn how these objects have recently been found to...

Although a bit confusing, this is an interesting exercise which will lead to greater understanding of the differences between asteroids, meteors, and comets. Learners must find the correct path that takes them through a series of...

Discover the science behind astronomy. After reading the book Maria's Comet, which is about a young woman who breaks new ground by becoming a female astronomer, young learners practice reading comprehension with...

How were we, as a planet, effected by ancient asteroid impact? We find that a cosmic impact was responsible for killing the dinosaurs, but it also led to the conditions that made human life possible. This is an informative clip that...

Comets are also known as dirty snowballs or icy mud balls. With your super scientists, create a model comet nucleus to discover how they are made and take part in a scientific discussion to learn how it behaves.

Care to speculate on how life on Earth came to be? The video presentation from the ACS Reaction series considers the possibility of comets creating the right conditions for the formation of life. Scholars consider colliding comets as...

Did you know that meteor showers come from comet tails? A NASA scientist explains that we may not be able to see Halley's Comet for another fifty years, we can experience marvelous meteor showers from its tail. Getting kids excited about...

This extremely short clip poses a question your class could ponder for days. It was discovered that a comet hit Jupiter causing an explosion greater than all the Earth's nuclear weapons combined. So, if a comet hit Jupiter creating...