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Pluto & the Nature of Science
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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:
Excellent
Quality(90-100)
- 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