Antarctic Meteorite Discovery Activity (AMDA)

Activity Overview

This "picture-matching" activity is designed to introduce and help learners build knowledge about meteorites and NASA's Antarctic Meteorite Collection. The meteorites curated in NASA's collection are those collected during Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) expeditions.

This activity is designed to be used in both formal and informal environments.

Activity Scope

• Grades 3-12+ • Ages 8+ • ~10+ minutes

Relevant Topics

Meteorites, NASA Antarctic Meteorite Collection, Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) Program, Solar System origins, asteroids, Moon, Mars, Vesta, curation, Astromaterials samples

Activity Resources: Overview & Adaptations

The resources available for this activity enable users to adapt the activity to best suit varying learning environments and educational needs. The list below provides a brief overview of each activity resource with optional adaptations.

Activity Hexagons and Picture Pieces: Individual base hexagons used to create the activity board and the associated picture pieces.

Activity Board - Rosette Poster (27" x 27"): A poster alternative for the activity board.

Get Focused Handout: Designed to be used prior to working with the activity board and pieces (formal education setting) enabling learners to read, identify key information, make predictions, and have time to absorb the content.

Educator Guides: For use in formal and informal educational settings (including display instructions for use at a STEM engagement event table).

Review Question Cards: Option to review and/or assess learner knowledge.

Meteorite Chatterboxes (11" x 17"): Alternative game-like option incorporating STEAM skills to review and/or assess learner knowledge.

Blank Templates & Adaptations: The blank templates included with this activity are designed to enable learners to design and create a Discovery Board focusing on any subject area. Blank templates used to create the activity board include the blank title and base hexagons (or use the blank PDF rosette poster) and blank picture pieces.
- These templates encourage hands-on engagement and creativity in both formal and informal learning environments. Educators should consider using them as a flexible, customizable tool to support a wide range of instructional goals. This may include reinforcing or reviewing vocabulary, modeling processes, telling stories, building conceptual connections, etc.
- While this activity helps tell the story of meteorites and NASA's Antarctic Collection, these templates can be adapted to fit virtually any subject area making them ideal for differentiated instruction, student-led exploration, or cross-curricular projects.