Pluto: Dwarf or Planet?
My Very Earnest Mother Just Served Us - What?
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) demoted Pluto to Dwarf status.
This change upset a lot of people, scientists and laypeople alike. Since its discovery and inclusion in 1930, we all learned that Pluto was the last planet in the Solar System. All of a sudden, all the Astronomy books were wrong - just like that! But was it justified? Was it necessary?
In Case You Missed It (Or You Want to See it Again...)
Here is the link to the presentation I made during class today. Review it, because it might have some good information for you...
To Be, Or Not to Be. That is the Question
So, is Pluto a planet or not? There are a lot of august opinions out there, both for and against. I want you to do your own research and let me know what you think! Click on my avatar link to find out about your assignment.
Watching Me Is Great, But Here's the Written Assignment...
- I grew up believing that Pluto was a planet. I even worked at the American Museum of Natural History with Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson in the 10 years leading up to his involvement in its demotion! I have strong feelings stemming from what I thought I "knew" growing up. Was I wrong all those years? Is there ever a right or wrong answer in science? That's what you'll have to tell me.
- The first thing you must do before the next class is research. Download the pathfinder and fill in the required information. Be specific and cite your sources! You will be required to make a reasoned decision based on your research about whether or not Pluto is a planet...
- After your work has been submitted and reviewed, take your research and create a script supporting your decision. Make sure to give a reasoned decision, not just whether you like Pluto or not! And be direct and to the point - you only have 90 seconds...
- Once your script has been approved, you will need to create a Voki avatar of yourself with Pluto as your background and record your script. Just log in to Voki Classroom with your username and password, and have fun with it! Completed Vokis will be posted on my website for all to see! And I plan on sending them to the Museum of Natural History, so Dr. Tyson might actually see them...
Important Sites to Use for Your Project
Use the links below to do your research. You can use others as well. Just make sure they are credible. Remember to cite the sites you use to complete your Voki:
Science Kids Dwarf Planet Facts
NASA Solar System Exploration - Dwarf Planets
IAU Pluto and the Developing Landscape of Our Solar System
National Geographic's "Pluto is the Biggest Dwarf Planet After All?" Article
The Place To Go To See Your Work!
Scan my QR with your reader (iPhone - QR Reader app, Android - Google Goggles), or click on my website link so you can show off your great work!
Want to Explore Some More? Click the Link Below!
Below is the link for the American Museum of Natural History's Ology Astronomy page. If you're looking for fun, games, and interviews with the Museum's Astrophysicists, the is the place to go!