Asteroids
An asteroid is a small, rocky object that orbits the Sun. Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, a region of space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. However, some asteroids can also be found closer to Earth or further out in the solar system.
Characteristics of Asteroids
- Composition: Asteroids are made up of rock, metal, and other elements. They can vary in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter.
- Shape: Asteroids can have irregular shapes and may be pitted or cratered from impacts with other objects.
- Orbital Path: Most asteroids orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt, but some may have highly elliptical or even circular orbits that bring them close to Earth.
Impact and Potential Hazards
Asteroids have the potential to collide with Earth, and such impacts can have devastating effects. The study of asteroids is important for understanding and mitigating the potential hazards they pose to our planet.
Study Tips
- Learn about the different types of asteroids, such as C-type, S-type, and M-type asteroids, and their compositions.
- Understand the concept of the asteroid belt and its location in the solar system.
- Explore the potential hazards of asteroid impacts and the efforts being made to monitor and mitigate these risks.
- Research famous asteroid impacts in Earth's history and their effects on the planet.
By understanding the characteristics and potential hazards of asteroids, we can better prepare for the future and protect our planet from potential impacts.
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Studying and exploring space
Study Guide
Studying and exploring space 
Worksheet/Answer key
Studying and exploring space Worksheet/Answer key
Studying and exploring space Worksheet/Answer key
Studying and exploring space Vocabulary/Answer key
Studying and exploring space Vocabulary/Answer key
Studying and exploring space Vocabulary/Answer key
Studying and exploring space Vocabulary/Answer key
Studying and exploring space
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
Earth’s Place in the Universe
Create and manipulate models (e.g., physical, graphical, conceptual) to explain the occurrences of day/night cycles, length of year, seasons, tides, eclipses, and lunar phases based on patterns of the observed motions of celestial bodies.
Construct models and use simulations (e.g., diagrams of the relationship between Earth and man-made satellites, rocket launch, International Space Station, elliptical orbits, black holes, life cycles of stars, orbital periods of objects within the solar system, astronomical units and light years) to explain the role of gravity in affecting the motions of celestial bodies (e.g., planets, moons, comets, asteroids, meteors) within galaxies and the solar system.
Develop and use models to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system (e.g., scale model representing sizes and distances of the sun, Earth, moon system based on a one-meter diameter sun).