[meteorite-list] Elementary School Show n Tell

[Gary K. Foote]

Well, list, I finally got together with the first grade and the third grade classes at 
the local elementary school for a little meteorite presentation.  I took along about 15 
or 20 of my own specimens as well as a NWA fragment for each of 27 children [courtesy of 
Rob Wesel of Nakhla Dog Meteorites].  Thanks a million Rob.  The kids were thrilled to 
each have a little piece of something that actually came from outer space.  

First my wife and daughter [who works at the school] passed out a meteorite to each 
child.  We also gave each classroom a Sikhote for their own display.  Then I opened by 
asking who knew what a meteorite was.  The talk just kind of flowed from their questions 
that popped up all over the place.  Along the way I told them about their meteorite 
fragments and showed them an individual NWA and a slice of NWA869 and told them of their 
geographical relationship.  I used the map on the class wall to point out NWA.  

I had each child rub their hands together briskly to demonstrate friction and then 
compared that to the air 'rubbing' on the meteor as it flew thru the atmosphere, burning 
and melting and eventually exploding, either above the ground from air pressure or upon 
impact.  We also talked about meteorite origins.  We let them handle all but the slice of 
869.  We passed a few irons around to let them feel their weight.  They got close up 
after to look through magnifying glasses we brought along.

Etched Gibeon slice
NWA Individual
Sliced NWA endcut with high metal content
Campo 'Space Coin'
Three Campos
Three Sikhotes
10 Tektites
Canyon Diablo
Meteorwrong

We had fun - the kids had fun and they learned something and now each holds a piece of 
the sky in their pocket.

Here are three pictures my wife took;

http://www.meteorite-dealers.com/images/comwayel1.jpg
http://www.meteorite-dealers.com/images/comwayel2.jpg
http://www.meteorite-dealers.com/images/comwayel3.jpg

Thanks again Rob!  The kids really were amazed to have what you gave them.

Gary Foote
http://www.meteorite-dealers.com