NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The information in this document was accurate as of the original publication date.

Audience: Educators
Grades: K-8


Introduce students to the physical characteristics of comets by using a tactile learning experience. Using only their hands, students reach into a series of boxes and feel the variety of materials and structures within. Each box contains an object that represents a quality of comets.

In this lesson, students:

• Use their senses to observe and describe comet characteristics modeled tactilely.
• Explain the relationship between their observations and the characteristics of a comet.
• Extend their understanding of comets through collaboration and discourse.

Instructions are included for using Comet Mystery Boxes in public events.

Comet Mystery Boxes educator pages [219KB PDF file]
Comet Mystery Boxes classroom worksheet [257KB PDF file]
Comet Mystery Boxes sample comet pictures [752KB PDF file]
Directions for making Comet Mystery Boxes [171KB PDF file]
Comet Mystery Boxes public worksheet [229KB PDF file]