Lesson Plan - A Package From Space

Watch a Video
Watch the video “Asteroids” to build background knowledge. Then discuss: What are asteroids? How do they help provide clues about the history of our solar system? 

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Word to Know.

• capsule

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them identify why scientists wanted to collect samples from Bennu.

1. How did scientists feel about opening the capsule? How do you know?
The scientists were very excited to open the capsule. The article says, “When it landed on Earth, scientists couldn’t wait to open it.”
^{(RI.3.1 Demonstrate Understanding)}

2. Based on the article, why did the mission to get samples from Bennu take seven years?
Based on the article, you can guess that the mission to get samples from Bennu took seven years because Bennu was very far away from Earth. The article explains, “The spacecraft flew millions of miles over two years before reaching Bennu. For two more years, it circled the asteroid, studying it.” Then the spacecraft had to travel back toward Earth to drop off the capsule.
^{(RI.3.3 Cause and Effect)}

3. Why does the article mention water?
The article mentions water because some scientists think asteroids like Bennu may have brought water to Earth when they crashed into our planet long ago. This water formed oceans and lakes.
^{(RI.3.6 Author’s Purpose)}

FEATURED SKILL: Reading a Diagram
Use the skill builder “Our Solar System” to help students visualize Earth’s place in space. Guide students to understand that Bennu formed long ago between Mars and Jupiter. This is an area where millions of asteroids orbit the sun. 
^{(RI.3.7 Cause and Effect)}