Yummy Astronomy - Make a Cool Cosmic Comet Model You Can Eat!
In this one time class, we will be crafting a delicious comet out of homemade ice cream! We'll learn what comets are made of, why they shine brightly in the night sky, and how we can prepare and eat our own model comets.
Lisa Greenhut
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(409)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Have you ever seen a comet in the night sky? Their beautiful long tails might make them look huge, but they're actually very small and freezing cold! Scientists often describe them as "dirty snowballs". In this hands-on one time class, we will be making our own comet models - and eating them! We will begin by investigating photos of comets, such as Halley and NEOWISE, and looking animations of their orbits. We will distinguish comets from planets, moons, asteroids, dwarf planets, and other celestial objects, and we will examine what happens when a comet's orbit brings it close to the Sun. We will then create our edible models, discussing what each ingredient represents as we add it. Please note that this class requires specific supplies. Here is a complete list of what we will be using to make our comet models: - One sandwich size Ziploc plastic bag - Two gallon size Ziploc plastic bags - Small cup - Spoon - Rubber kitchen gloves, oven mitts, or other hand covering for when our model gets cold! - Ice (to fill a gallon-size bag half full) - Chunky cookies, sprinkles, chips, or other small toppings to mix in - Whole milk (skim, 1% or 2% won't work) - Sugar - Vanilla extract - Evaporated milk, or cream - Salt - Optional: Something to crush cookies and other additives - Recommended: Table covering and towel, in case of spills Note: Please let me know if your learner has a specific substitution due to a dietary need, and I can incorporate it into the discussion.
Learning Goals
Students will define what a comet is, and distinguish comets from other celestial objects such as meteors.
Students will create a model of a comet using edible ingredients.
Students will distinguish between short period and long period comets.
Students will explain how comets' orbits around the Sun differ from planets and other celestial objects.
Other Details
Supply List
Please note that this class requires specific supplies. Here is a complete list of what we will be using to make our comet models: - One sandwich size Ziploc plastic bag - Two gallon size Ziploc plastic bags - Small cup - Spoon - Rubber kitchen gloves, oven mitts, or other hand covering for when our model gets cold! - Ice (to fill a gallon-size bag half full) - Chunky cookies, sprinkles, chips, or other small toppings to mix in - Whole milk (skim, 1% or 2% won't work) - Sugar - Vanilla extract - Evaporated milk, or cream - Salt - Optional: Something to crush cookies and other additives - Recommended: Table covering and towel, in case of spills Note: Please let me know if your learner has a specific substitution due to a dietary need, and I can incorporate it into the discussion.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
409reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I teach astronomy at the American Museum of Natural History. We typically create comets using dry ice during our museum classes, but I have adapted this model to be safe for younger learners.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-10
3-9 learners per class
