Resources for elementary and middle school science educators.

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Pluto & the Nature of Science

Every so often, I like to stick my head out the window, look up,
and smile for a satellite picture.

Steven Write

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Pluto is no longer a planet.

On August 24, astronomers said that Pluto is no longer a planet according to a new definition of the word planet. The new definition states that a planet is a celestial body that:

 

•  is in orbit around the Sun

•  has enough gravity to give it a nearly round shape

•  has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.

The decision establishes three main categories of objects in our solar system.

• Planets: The eight worlds starting with Mercury and moving out to Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
• Dwarf planets: Pluto and any other round object that "has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit, and is not a satellite."
• Small solar system bodies: All other objects orbiting the sun.

Watch these videos:

 

•  http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2352188

•  http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2360595

Write a paragraph explaining why removing Pluto from the list of planets is a good example of the Nature of Science.

 

Excellent Quality (90-100)

Demonstrates a strong connection between the new definition of planets and the nature of science includes a discussion of scientific research includes an in-depth discussion of the impact of new knowledge

Good Quality (80-89)

Demonstrates a strong connection between the new definition of planets and the nature of science includes a discussion of scientific research and the impact of new knowledge Few spelling or grammar errors

Fair Quality (70-79)

Demonstrates a weak connection between the new definition of planets and the nature of science poor discussion of scientific research and the impact of new knowledge Several spelling or grammar errors

Poor Quality (Below 70)

Demonstrates no connection between the new definition of planets and the nature of science no discussion of scientific research and the impact of new knowledge Several spelling or grammar errors