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In this activity, learners work in teams to investigate the composition of unseen materials using a variety of tools. This open-ended engagement activity mimics how scientists discover clues about the interiors of planets with cameras and other instruments onboard spacecraft.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Over $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model, Simulation
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 5–7 extra-large dark blue balloons
- 2 compasses or magnets
- Paperclips
- 1-3 strong magnets, such as cow magnets (available from pet/farm supply stores or science education product retailers)
- Scraps of paper
- 10-20 beads
- 5-10 marbles
- Whipped cream from a bottle with a nozzle (optional)
- Water (optional)
- 2 small scales (such as postage scales)
- 2 liquid crystal temperature strips (available in most pet stores or stores that sell aquarium fish)
- 2 magnifying glasses
- 2 laser pointers (optional)
- 2 ear thermometers (optional)
- "Investigating the Insides" journal handout
- Pencils or pens
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Astronomy
- Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
-
Solar System
- The Planets
- Asteroids and Comets
-
Astronomy
-
Physical Sciences
-
Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
- Electricity and Magnetism
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
-
Heat and Thermodynamics
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- The Scientific Worldview
- About Inquiry
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
- Science as a Career
-
The Scientific Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Department of Education and Public Outreach, Lunar and Planetary Institute; Juno Education and Public Outreach, NASA
Rights:
Funding Source:
- NASA