Is Pluto a Planet?

Introduction

You are studying the solar system and have heard rumors that scientists are considering demoting Pluto from its status as a planet to that of an asteroid, comet or other celestial body. You have a basic understanding of the definition of a planet but you need to do some research in order to be able to answer the question: Is Pluto a Planet?

Your Mission

Visit the web sites listed below (and follow the appropriate links) to obtain information about Pluto and the controversy surrounding its status as a planet.

Choose the role you'd like to assume (you will argue Pluto's status from the viewpoint of this role).

Decide how you to present your information and argument.

The Process

1. Take notes (in Microsoft Word) as you gather information. Reference all information gathered to the website (or other resource) from which it was gleaned.

2. Read Christine Lavin's song Planet X.

3. Listen to the song Planet X.

4. Read the article in USA Today entitled Astronomers question if Pluto is real planet.

5. Look up the definition of a planet in the Newberry House Online Dictionary.

6. Look up the definition of Pluto in the Newberry House Online Dictionary.

7. Use the Newberry House Online Dictionary to look up any unfamiliar words that you come in to contact with while doing your online research.

8. Explore the websites listed below in order to gather the information necessary to come to a factual conclusion regarding Pluto's planetary status.

9. Create a presentation proving your conclusion (as to whether or not Pluto is a planet), using one of the following formats: debate, PowerPoint presentation or a written persuasive report.

10. Share your presentation with the other members of your group.

11. Submit your finished presentation to your teacher.

12. Send your presentation to Christine Lavin (answering the question: Do you think Pluto is a planet or not?) Write to Christine c/o Tom Mangano, at [email protected].

13. Share your presentation with the class.

Your Resources:

Planet X - The song

Pluto home page follow the many links on this page

Find out what the astronomers think

Hawaiian Astronomical Society Homepage

Take the Planet X Quiz

When is a planet not a planet?

Yes, Pluto is really a planet. by Marc W. Buie of Lowell Observatory

Is Pluto a major planet? D. Green's Comments on Marc Buie's response

Marc Buie's Pluto page follow the cool links on this page

Evaluation

Your final project will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. All components of the process were completed.
2. Your reasoning is clear and supported with factual (researched) details.
3. Your data is supported by referenced facts and/or scientific opinion.
4. Your presentation is informative, interesting, persuasive, and appealing.
5. Your final project indicates that you accessed, evaluated, and used a variety of information sources to complete the project.

Conclusion

After completing this project, all members of the group will have:

1. A better understanding of planetary nomenclature.
2. An opinion (based on fact) on whether or not Pluto is a planet.
3. A working knowledge of the Internet and how to use links.
4. The ability to extract appropriate information from several resources into an organized document.
5. The ability to evaluate information gathered from online resources.
6. A heightened interest in astronomy.

This page was designed and created by Lori Krane Magaliff,
Technology Coordinator, Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County, NJ

Updated November 2002

Questions or problems regarding this page should be directed to:  Lori Krane

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