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Student Instructions
1. Read the quick recap to remember the three space-rock words. 2. Learn short definitions and the roots of each word. 3. Match words to their meanings to check understanding. 4. Think about a real-world event where you might see a meteor. 5. Create a labeled diagram that shows where each word comes from, what it becomes, and the word roots. 6. Share your diagram with a partner and explain what you learned.
Teacher Notes (not visible to students)
This activity helps 5th graders distinguish meteoroid, meteor, and meteorite using drawings and simple etymology. Use the pages in order: recap, definitions, matching, real-world prompt, labeled diagram (screen-recorded), and partner share. Prepare plain paper, pencils, colored markers, and a device for recording screen/voice or taking photos. For the partner activity, pair students and allow 5–10 minutes to discuss and record one short explanation each. High-quality answers for the open-ended diagram and etymology: student labels correctly (which object is in space, which makes a streak in the sky, which lands on Earth), explains the root parts (e.g., "meteor" = Greek for 'something in the air' or 'high'), and shows cause/effect (enters atmosphere → becomes meteor → if piece reaches ground → meteorite). Partial credit: correct labels but brief or missing one etymology note. Incorrect: labels confused (meteorite called bright streak) or no clear explanation of changes.
