Earth is an extraordinary place in the Solar System where the conditions of life, as we know it, occur.  Did life originate spontaneously or thanks to particles that arrived from other parts of the Solar System, such as meteorites?

In this activity we will learn to identify micrometeorites from other particles on Earth by analysing particles collected on the roof of ESAC buildings with a microscope.

ESA's Planetary Defence Team monitors all near-Earth objects and predicts their trajectories continuously.

RECOMMENDED AGE: 9–12 years

LOMLOE COMPETENCIES:

• Competence in science, technology and engineering
• Personal, social and learning to learn competence
• Digital competence
• Citizenship competence

DIDACTIC OBJECTIVES:

• Understand what a micrometeorite is and how it has formed.
• Carry out the scientific exploration of its composition with simple tools.
• Apply scientific observation and analysis skills in a spatial context.

MATERIALS:

• Sample collected on the terrace of ESAC
• Two reusable cups.
• Strong magnet (e.g., neodymium).
• Petri dish
• Microscope or magnifying glass.
• Precision tweezers.

INCLUSION:

• Adaptable to students with motor disabilities (group work and manipulative tools).
• Adaptable to students with visual impairment (use of tactile elements and high visual contrast).