Meteorites give us clues about the elements present on other planets. This worksheet explores some data on the compounds found in meteorites
This resource accompanies the Education in Chemistry article From outer space.
The resource contains a table of data showing the % concentration of different compounds in the Dhofar 007 meteorite, a 21 kg meteorite that fell in Oman in 1999. Learners will need access to a periodic table for identifying elements.
Learners will be required to identify metal and non-metal elements from symbols and formulas. Data handling skills are also practised through interpreting numbers below zero, interpreting percentage values, presenting data and performing unit conversions. Learners will construct a bar chart using axes provided in the worksheet.
More resources
- Spark learner’s interest in cosmochemistry with these starter slides: How might meteorite collisions have contributed to the Earth’s oceans?Could life exist without meteorites?
- Have a go at testing your own meteorite specimen with this eye-catching practical.
- Find more engaging contexts for practising key skills with analysing ice cream (14–16) or the science of melting chocolate (11–14).
- Link to careers with this job profile of an astrochemist.
Downloads
What's in a meteorite? Student sheet
Editable handout | Word, Size 0.3 mbWhat's in a meteorite? Student sheet
Handout | PDF, Size 0.24 mbWhat's in a meteroite? Answer sheet
Editable handout | Word, Size 0.3 mbWhat's in a meteorite? Answer sheet
Handout | PDF, Size 0.44 mb
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