Teaching tools > Solar system > Overview: Hubble Witnesses Fireworks From Comet Collision

Description:

Star Witness news story: Hubble Witnesses Fireworks From Comet Collision details the Deep Impact spacecraft's encounter with comet 9P/Tempel 1. A portion of the spacecraft, the impactor, crashed into the comet and released a storm of material. This selection is an adaptation of the HubbleSite press release: Hubble Monitors Evolution of Dust Plume Following Deep Impact's Collision with Comet.

Format(s) available: Printer-friendly web page; also, downloadable PDF including story and images

Grades: 5-8, but the material can be adapted for use in other grades at the teacher’s discretion

Teachers can use Star Witness news story: Hubble Witnesses Fireworks From Comet Collision as:

• A content reading selection. Teachers should discuss the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary prior to having students read this selection.

• An engagement activity. Have students read the selection. Ask them to explain why astronomers hope to learn from the crash of the impactor into the comet.

• An inquiry tool. Propose a question, such as "What have astronomers learned by studying comets with a telescope and by traveling closer to them?" Have students read the selection and write down questions they would like answered as a result of the reading.

• A source of information. Have students read the selection. Conduct a class discussion using the questions associated with the reading to clarify student understanding and expand on the information provided.

Related materials

HubbleSite press release: Hubble Monitors Evolution of Dust Plume Following Deep Impact's Collision with Comet.

Teaching tools > Solar system > Overview: Hubble Witnesses Fireworks From Comet Collision