Create a Comet
Recommended for: Ages 8 and up
Badges: Artist in Space, Maryland Skies
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This first visible comet of 2020 is passing by. Its name is Neowise and it is expected to be visible for people in the earth’s northern hemisphere through July. In this activity, you will learn about comets and make your own.
You Will Need
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Popsicle stick
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Ribbon
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Tinfoil
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Scissors
Wonder
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What is a comet?
What do comets look like?
Watch
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The word “comet” comes from the Greek word “Kometes” which means long hair. This is because of how a comet’s tail can look like long flowing locks of hair. Learn about comets by watching this video by Free School:
Create
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Make your own comet at home!
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First cut 5 to 7 pieces of ribbon. Make the ribbon different lengths. Make some long, some medium pieces, and some short. You can use different colors.
Then tie your ribbons around the end of your popsicle stick. To make your tail as long as possible, tie the knot close to the edge of your ribbon.
Next, cut three pieces of tin foil into squares.
Now hold all the pieces of ribbon off to one side and gather the tin foil around the edge of the stick covering where you tied the ribbons. The tinfoil should form a ball on the end of the popsicle stick. Use the next two squares of tin foil to make the ball larger.
Time to take your comet for a spin! Dance around the room to make your comet fly.
