Science Worksheet · Grades 4–6
Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 4-6 on the small objects in our solar system. Students sort clues into comets, asteroids, and meteors and answer short-response questions, including the meteor versus meteorite difference. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 4–6
Skill Focus
Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors, earth and space science
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
The solar system holds more than planets. Asteroids are rocky chunks that orbit the sun, mostly in a belt between Mars and Jupiter; comets are icy snowballs that grow glowing tails as they near the sun; and meteors are the bright streaks – shooting stars – made when small space rocks burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. Telling these apart gives students a real feel for what is traveling through space around us.
Section A gives students 8 clues and asks them to write asteroid, comet, or meteor for each. Section B asks four short-response questions: describe the asteroid belt and its location, explain why a comet grows a tail, explain the difference between a meteor and a meteorite, and describe one way a comet differs from an asteroid.
The reference box on page 1 defines all three objects and adds the meteorite distinction. Section A is on page 1, Section B is on page 2, and page 3 is a complete answer key with the object for each Section A clue and sample answers for Section B.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and ask students whether they have ever seen a shooting star.
Work Section A independently; have students look for key words like ‘tail,’ ‘belt,’ and ‘shooting star.’
Move to Section B and discuss the difference between a meteor (in the sky) and a meteorite (on the ground).
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or aide spot-check.
Pair with the Solar System Worksheet or Stars and Constellations Worksheet for more space-science practice.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 4-6 on the small objects in our solar system. Students sort clues into comets, asteroids, and meteors and answer short-response questions, including the meteor versus meteorite difference. A complete answer key is included.
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