Science·Space Exploration·conceptual
Asteroids, Comets & Dwarf Planets
Identify other objects in the solar system beyond planets: asteroids (rocky bodies mostly between Mars and Jupiter), comets (icy bodies with tails when near the Sun), and meteoroids/meteors/meteorites (space rocks that enter Earth’s atmosphere)
Suggested ages 7–9
Learning journey
Your child is discovering how our solar system works — learning about Earth's movements that create day and night, exploring the eight planets and their features, and understanding how we use robots and telescopes to study space.
Evidence of understanding
- Describe asteroids as rocky bodies mostly found in the belt between Mars and Jupiter
- Describe comets as icy bodies that develop a glowing tail when they approach the Sun
- Explain the difference between a meteoroid (in space), meteor (streak of light in atmosphere), and meteorite (lands on Earth)
Assessment prompt
If Asteroids, Comets & Dwarf Planets saw a shooting star, could they explain that it’s actually a tiny space rock burning up in our atmosphere — and tell you the difference between that and a comet?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.