Comet on a Stick

Field Test Results:

Comet on a Stick was field tested by EPOXI E/PO with four teachers and 134 students (in elementary, middle and high school) in 2009. On average, participating teachers spent 28 minutes planning and preparing for the activity. Based on survey results, the activity should require a minimum of two days, or 120 instructional minutes to implement the activity fully.

Though intended for students in grades 3-5, findings suggest that teachers can easily adapt the activity for older students. Respondents agreed that the materials are of high quality and agreed that the materials are very useful.

From a 3rd grade teacher: “I heard discussion about ion and dust tails, which was really cute coming from third graders. They were really enthused about the whole process. When I asked them to tell me what the favorite activity they had done in science lab during the year, making model comets was on almost everyone’s list.”

From a student survey: “When we finished it looked awesome.”

From a student survey: “I enjoyed discovering how all the parts of a comet work together.”

From a NASA Product Review Summary: “The product makes use of effective instructional practices. Students are asked to brainstorm, work in teams, develop and evaluate a model of comets, improve on that model and collaborate with other teams. The product nurtures scientific reasoning using hands-on, adaptable exercise consisting of inexpensive materials.  Inquiry based activities model the scientific method.”

From a NASA Product Review Summary: “Students will learn about comets, how comets interact with the sun, comets in history, and the life cycle of a comet. They will also learn about missions to comets and other comet related science investigation.”