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This Determining the Size and Energy of the K-T Asteroid activity also includes:
Two different groups of scientists published scientific papers in 1980 offering proof of a large asteroid hitting Earth between the Cretaceous and Tertiary layers of ground. Scholars use a worksheet to analyze the same type of data as that used by the original scientists. They determine the size and energy of the asteroid based on the amount of iridium in the layer.
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NGSS:
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Instructional Ideas
- Review parts per notation before the lesson, or pupils may struggle from the start
- Discuss the differences in the assumptions on the worksheet versus the original research
Classroom Considerations
- Relies on prior knowledge of exponential notation, parts per notation, how to calculate the volume and surface area of spheres, how to use density to determine mass, and kinetic energy
Pros
- Includes two worksheets of varying difficulties
- Provides an answer key
Cons
- None