Mission Library

Into the Asteroid
Substance Properties
5th Grade

The Mission
41 min

Storyline

Students will identify substances based on their properties and will use that knowledge to prevent an asteroid disaster.

An asteroid is on course to collide with one of the planets in the Industrial Sector and millions of lives are at stake. When the crew arrives on the asteroid, they will discover random baking supplies scattered around. They will need to identify these mysterious substances based on their properties. After that, the crew will discover that Doug dropped all his baking supplies onto this asteroid, which changed its trajectory. The crew will need to work together to analyze the substances they have available to determine the best way to move the asteroid out of harm's way.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Substances can be classified and identified by their properties.

Science and Engineering Practices

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

The crew poses questions about the asteroid's change in trajectory and the presence of baking ingredients on it.

Developing and Using Models

The crew analyzes simulation data to determine the best combination of substances to achieve a desired outcome.

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

The crew analyzes data to determine the best combination of substances to achieve a desired outcome.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

The crew observes and analyzes the results of simulated experiments to identify the combination of substances that will cause the desired reaction.

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

The crew investigates the cause of the asteroid's change in trajectory and the consequences of its potential collision with the planet.

Patterns

The crew identifies and analyzes the different substances on the asteroid to determine their potential reactions.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter

The crew analyzes the composition of the asteroid, focusing on the different substances present and their chemical reactions.

Resources
Targeted Standards
Timeline
Skills in Action