Make a crater. (Hands-on Activity).

Name: --

When a meteorite (space rock) slams into Earth, it often leaves behind a crater, or a large depression. How are craters formed? And why does each look different? Follow this experiment to find out.

You Need:

newspaper * shallow box (a shoebox will work) * 1 large bag of flour * 1 box of chocolate cake mix (paprika or cinnamon powder will work as well) * sieve * three small objects of different size and mass to serve as meteorite impactors (pebbles, marbles, balls, etc.) * scale * 1 meter stick * 1 ruler * color pencils

To Do:

Part A

1. Spread newspaper on the floor in front of a wall. Then set box on the paper against the wall.

2. Tape a meter stick on the wall next to the box.

3. Fill box with 8 centimeter (3 inches) of flour. Smooth the surface.

4. Use a sieve to sprinkle a light and even dusting of cake mix over the flour.

5. Measure the mass and diameter of each "meteorite impactor." Record data.

6. Drop a meteorite from 1 meter (3.3 feet) above the flour.

7. Measure the diameter of the crater. Observe the movement of the cake mix and features created. Record (and draw) the data.

8. Carefully remove the meteorite impactor. Smooth the flour.

9. Repeat steps 4 to 8 for the remaining impactors.

10. Compare the results created by the different mass and size.

11. Repeat experiment as necessary to gain understanding.

Part B

1. Prepare the box as Step 1 to 4 from Part A.

2. Select one "meteorite" and drop from 10 cm (4 in.) above hour.

3. Measure the diameter of the crater and observe the movement of the cake mix. Record (and draw) the data.

4. Carefully remove the impactor. Smooth the flour. And re-dust with cake mix.

5. Repeat steps 2 to 4, dropping the same meteorite from 50 cm (20 in.) 1 m (3.3 ft). Also try a gentle toss from the side

6. Compare the results.

7. Repeat experiment as necessary to gain understanding.

Conclusions:

How does the mass of the impactor affect the size and shape of the crater? What about its size, velocity (speed), and direction? Which combination would create the largest or smallest craters? Why? What does the movement of the cake mix signify?

DON'T STOP NOW!

Research the following impact crater features: rays, rim, ejecta blanket, wall, floor, central peak. Identify them on drawings. Select a meteorite impact crater on Earth. Report on what scientists learned.