Students perform two experiments during this activity. In the first experiment, students investigate the relationship between the size of the meteorite and the size of the crater. From the same height, students drop each meteorite into the pan then measure the diameter of the crater. For the second experiment, students drop one meteorite from various heights into the pan to investigate a relationship between impact speed and crater size. An important step during data collecting is to establish how the crater diameter will be measured, due to irregular crater shapes.
Students analyze and interpret their data by visual inspection or by plotting the data on a graph.
From this analysis, they identify a pattern, or trend that supports their explanation for the changes in crater size. Students write a conclusion of their analysis on their data sheets and communicate their conclusions during class discussion. The student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions. Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations. Students employ a model in their investigation of craters.