What Happens When Objects Collide?

Learning Targets

• Simulate an impact between an object and Moon's surface.

Success Criteria

• I can model what happens when different objects strike the Moon's surface.
• I can collect data including written data and diagrams.
• I can infer comparisons between my observations and the existence of craters on the Moon.

Questions to Ponder...

• What happens when objects collide?
• What do you see when you look at the moon?
• How do you explain the appearance of the moon?
• What are some ways people have explained the appearance of the moon in the past?

Procedures

1. Copy the What Happens When Objects Collide? data table into your notebook. Turn your notebook sideways and take up the entire page.
2. Sprinkle a little cocoa powder over the flour. (just a light dusting!)
3. Have each member of your team drop their object from 75 cm into the container.
   • use a diagram to describe the shape and surface of the flour
   • smooth out the flour and sprinkle a little more cocoa powder after each impact
4. Have each member of your team drop their object from 100 cm into the container.
   • use a diagram to describe the shape and surface of the flour
   • smooth out the flour and sprinkle a little more cocoa powder after each impact

Back to Teams...

• How did the effects of the impact change each time?
• Was the object you dropped affected by the impact?
• What factors affected the size and shape of your craters?
• How do you think these collisions are similar to collisions on the Moon?