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<META NAME="title" CONTENT="Collecting Micrometeorites">
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<TITLE>Collecting micrometeorites</TITLE>
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<H2 ALIGN=center>Collecting Micrometeorites</H2>

Area of Science: Astronomy 
Meant for at least Grade K-3 (age 5-7). 
This experiment is inedible. 
An adult need not be present. 



Overview: 
Collect micrometeorites from indoor and outdoor sources.

Equipment: 
<UL>
<LI>Large piece of white paper or plastic
<LI>Magnifying glass or a microscope - the microscope is better.
</UL>

Safety: 
None..

How to do the experiment: 
Pick a sunny day to leave your plastic sheet outdoors. 
After some time, collect the sheet, roll the sides up, and gently tap 
all material into the center of the sheet.

An alternative to this procedure is to collect dust from areas such as 
the leaves from plants kept indoors or outside, or from window sills. 
Use a brush to collect the particulate matter into a small container,
then pour it onto a piece of paper or plastic. 

Pass a magnet under the material and then gently tilt the paper or
plastic to get rid of non-magnetic particles. Your meteorites will be 
found within the remaining material.

Inspect the particles under a magnifying glass or with a microscope.
The microscope is preferred as the micrometeorites are more readily
identified under higher magnification (10-20X).

Inspect the dust, looking for dark spherical particles with a pitted 
surface. Micrometeorites!

Explanation: 
Tons of interstellar dust and debris bombard the earth every day.
Much of this material formed with the rest of the solar system,
4 - 5 billion years ago.

Useful References: 
<a href="http://learn.jpl.nasa.gov/micromet.htm">Micrometeorites
Lesson</a> at NASA 
<a href="http://www.crrel.usace.army.mil/news/news-archives/micrometeorites9703/">
Micrometeorites from Antarctica</a>

Further comments: 
Try some of the web links for images of micrometeorites to help
you identify ones you isolate.

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Experiment submitted on Sat Dec 12 20:54:23 1998 by: 
Name: MadSci Admin 
Institution: MadSci Net. 
Position: Collective Engima Elucidator 
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Astronomy is the study of the stars, planets, and everything in space. Astronomers use telescopes and other tools to learn more about the universe.

Collect micrometeorites from indoor and outdoor sources. 

Have you ever wanted to collect pieces of space? Now you can! With this project, you'll be able to collect micrometeorites from indoor and outdoor sources.

Collecting Micrometeorites

Is it possible to collect micrometeorites from the outdoors?

Learn about space rocks: asteroids, meteors, meteorites and comets, from this fun cartoon from the Royal Observatory Greenwich!

See how you can find micrometeorites all around you!

<h1>1000 Science Fair Project Ideas by Subject</h1>Looking for a science fair project idea? Each of our science fair project idea has complete instructions with video. Get ideas for your science projects, find extra resources for your class' scientific projects, or try a fun experiment at home! It doesn't matter what grade you're in, there's something for everyone!You can find your perfect science fair project from the different science subjects below or from our <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/category0.html#bottom">science fair project idea lists!</a>

<h2>Science Fair Project Idea Lists</h2>Looking for other ways to find good ideas for science fair projects? Check out these lists of science projects!<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Easy Science Fair Projects</h3><img src="/images2/flex/176_popular 2 (2).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Explore the exciting world of science with an easy science fair project that you can do at home using simple materials. Any one of these easy project ideas will teach you important scientific concepts and help you have fun while learning. An easy science fair project is a great way to introduce the wonders of science to kids and adults alike!<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li>Changing the Color of Flowers</li><li>Baking Soda Volcano</li><li>Swimming Raisins</li><li>Egg in Vinegar</li><li>Color of Skittles Experiment</li><li>Jumping Rice Krispies</li><li>Mixing Colors of Light</li><li>Camouflage and Hide</li><li>Light and Dark on Seed Germination</li><li>Make a Parachute</li></ul>More science project details at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/12">Easy Science Fair Projects →</a><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>The Top 10 Best Science Fair Projects</h3><img src="/images2/flex/177_popular 2 (3).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">To find the best science fair project for you, we've picked the best science projects from 10 different science categories, all with very interesting topics. If you're looking for more science projects at another difficulty level or topic, you can explore science fair project ideas by grade level at the top of this page!<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li>Jet Lag in Hamsters (circadian rhythm, Biology science fair project)</li><li>Egg with Vinegar (acid-base reaction, Chemistry science fair project)</li><li>Galileo's Inclined Plane Experiment (acceleration, Physics science fair project)</li><li>Plant's Favorite Color for Photosynthesis (Photosynthesis, Botany science fair project)</li><li>Color and Taste (color perception, Psychology science fair project)</li><li>Does Dog Saliva Kill Bacteria? 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With just a few simple things, you can be fascinated by science and have tons of fun with these popular science projects!<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li>Explosive Elephant Toothpaste</li><li>Egg in Vinegar</li><li>Electrifying Lemon Battery</li><li>Making Oobleck: Liquid or Solid?</li><li>Egg Drop Project</li><li>Colors of Skittles Experiment</li><li>Cloud in a Bottle</li><li>Baking Soda Volcano</li><li>Egg in a Bottle</li><li>Plastic Milk</li></ul>Project details and more cool science projects at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/1/Popular_Science_Experiments_At_Home">Popular Science Fair Projects →</a><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>One-Day Science Fair Project Ideas</h3><img src="/images2/flex/172_popular 2 (1).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Quick experiments can be a great option for a science fair project. In this list, we've highlighted one-day science fair project ideas for elementary school (easy), middle school (medium), or high school (hard). These experiments are fast and easy to do, but the science topic packs a punch!<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h4>Acid-base reactions: Mixing acids with bases quickly makes carbon dioxide gas!</h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project830.html">Rocket Film Canisters (easy) </a>Make a rocket fly sky high with just baking soda and vinegar!</li><li><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project829.html">Make Your Own PH Indicator (medium) </a>Learn how to make your own acid-base indicator using red cabbage and use it to test different fluids!</li><li><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project1327.html">Testing Antacids (hard) </a>Find out which antacid can neutralize the most acid and get relief from heartburn and gastritis!</li></ul><h4>Chromatography reactions: Separating out colors as liquid moves through the paper!</h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project826.html">Colors of Skittles Experiment (easy) </a>Did you know that some Skittles have a secret rainbow hiding inside them?</li><li><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project678.html">Uncovering Fall Colors (medium) </a>Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in the fall? 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Check them out at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/12">Easy Science Fair Projects →</a><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start">How do I start a science fair project?</h3><img src="/images2/flex/199_science coach.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">No matter if you're in high school, elementary or middle school, science fair projects are a fun and unique way to discover science by asking a question and doing a science project. We'll help you find a science fair project idea and guide you through the process of doing and presenting your science fair project with <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_projects_coach/science-project-coach.html">Science Fair Coach's Science Fair Project Guide</a>.<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>What should I do after I have a science fair project idea?</h3><img src="/images2/flex/143_intro science fair.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">If you have a science fair project idea, Science Fair Coach can help you turn it into a full science fair project! Starting at the <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/4">Introduction to Science Fairs</a>, check out the section on How to do a science fair project for a step-by-step guide!<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><img src="/images2/flex/203_compared to scientific method.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">We'll guide you through every step of the <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/5">scientific method</a>, from designing and conducting your experiment to collecting and analyzing your findings.<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><img src="/images2/flex/202_engineering design process.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">If you're working on an engineering project, you can head over to <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/9">The Guide to the Engineering Design Process</a>.<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"> <img src="/images2/flex/150_science fair poster.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Finally, we'll help you showcase your results on a <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/7">science fair board</a> for others to learn from and enjoy.<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start">How do I make a science fair board?</h3><img src="/images2/flex/150_science fair poster.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Your science fair board is where you show off your science fair project for everyone to see and learn from. With <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_projects_coach/science-project-display-board-6a.html">Science Fair Coach's step-by-step guide</a>, you can make sure your science fair board stands out and impresses at the science fair!<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Where can I find a science fair competition?</h3><img src="/images2/flex/179_Intro Science Fair Projects 32.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Science fair competitions are an excellent opportunity to explore science. One of the of the premier science advocacy organizations, the Society for Science, is associated with more than 400 science fair competitions in almost every US state, as well as over 70 other countries, regions, and territories. You can find out if there's a <a href="https://findafair.societyforscience.org/">Society of Science affiliated science fair</a> near you!The <a href="http://physics.usc.edu/~gould/ScienceFairs/">The www Virtual Library: Science Fairs website</a> also has a collection of science fairs from all over the world, as well as national, state, regional, local, and virtual competitions!<hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat">

Physics is the study of how the universe works. Physicists study everything from tiny particles that make up atoms to huge stars and galaxies. They help us understand how things move, how energy works, and even how time and space are connected!

All Science Fair Projects

1000 Science Fair Projects with Complete Instructions

Collecting Micrometeorites