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Book 21, Question 46 · Video

Can Magnets Help Find Rocks That Fell From Space?

Video · 1:54 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 21

Some rocks fall from space, and they are called meteorites. Many of them contain iron and nickel, which means a magnet may help find them. Let's go on a meteorite hunt, and find ou

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Can magnets help find rocks that fell from space?

The Big Idea

Some rocks fall from space, and they are called meteorites. Many of them contain iron and nickel, which means a magnet may help find them. Let's go on a meteorite hunt, and find out how a magnet can help.

Iron and Nickel

Step one: iron and nickel. Many meteorites contain iron and nickel metal. That means a magnet often sticks to them.

Dragging Magnets

Step two: dragging magnets. People hunting for meteorites sometimes drag strong magnets across the ground. When a magnet snaps onto something heavy and dark, it could be a space rock.

Only a Clue

Step three: it is only a clue. Many earthly rocks also contain iron, and some meteorites barely stick at all. Scientists confirm a find with other tests in a laboratory, because a space rock needs more proof than a sticky magnet.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A meteorite falls from space. It often holds iron and nickel. A magnet may stick to it. Scientists then test it in a lab.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some meteorites are mostly made of iron and nickel. A magnet is only the first clue. Many earthly rocks contain iron too. Scientists use lab tests to be sure.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, test a magnet on a few different rocks in your yard. Rank them from sticks the most to sticks the least. Take a photo of each one. Share your ranking with a friend. Keep asking why, and keep exploring!

Outro

A magnet can be a first clue for finding meteorites, but only a lab can be sure. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this