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Re: Pluto Could Still Be A Planet! (Who Cares?)

chadbrannon — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:57:06 -0000

When I say "alike" I mean that the inner planets are classified as terrestrial because they are rocky and somewhat Earth like. The outer planets are Jovian or Jupiter like because they are large and gassy. Just a simple way to classify the inner and outer planets.

Very good points. However, the problem with Pluto's orbit is that it crosses over another planets orbit. This, in our solar system, is very odd.

Re: Pluto Could Still Be A Planet! (Who Cares?)

chadbrannon — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:54:11 -0000

Oh, one of the favorite things about actually sharing my opinion in the classroom is when I child articulates a stellar rebuttal. Indeed they are capable of understanding this debate. However, making sense of an abstract idea is made easier by having the major planets all fit into one category because they are alike.

This is one of my favorite debates and topics. I am glad to know that there are still some folks out there that are going to fight for that cute, little planet...oops....minor satellite! Maybe one day one of my students will lead the way to redefine the word planet.

Re: Pluto Could Still Be A Planet! (Who Cares?)

chadbrannon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:48:21 -0000

Laurele,

Thank you for the resource. I may change it to make it better for my 6th graders.
I already use this example to discuss Scientific debates. I seldom, if ever, share my opinion in the classroom. However, my students know exactly where I stand on this issue. I stand on the side of truth and have since the early 90's before this became much of a debate.

Allow me to rephrase my statement from my previous post: To me as a professional learning facilitator it is not what is "easier" to teach but what is more logical and less abstract for a 6th grader to understand. There are many ways to "stimulate the most thinking and learning."

Pluto is not a major planet, nor should it ever have been considered one. The fact that the IAU went back and finally got it right should be enough to agree.

Pluto deserves its new rank and should always remain there. The many, many reasons why are too many to list here. However, this does a fair job of explaining the truth http://www.universetoday.co...

The above site skims over the fact that Pluto was given its status hastily and without much deliberation. It was pushed through so that America could have a discovery.

It's real easy..you can say it with me: My, Very, Excellent, Mother, Just, Served, Us, Nachos!

Re: Pluto Could Still Be A Planet! (Who Cares?)

chadbrannon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:22:43 -0000

I agree with you on the fact that it is good news that Pluto was reclassified. It does indeed show how massive our planet system is and how much there still is to learn. As a teacher, I find it much easier to teach the solar system now. Eight major planets and then the kuiper belt and the minor planets.

Furthermore, Pluto does not "act" like a "normal" planet. It crosses orbit with Neptune and can be considered a "double planet" because of the characteristics it has in common with its satellite. It also is nothing like the outer planets that are large and gassy. It would be a travesty if this decision was reversed. It makes sense the way it is!

I like to refer to Jupiter as "the uncle Ben" of planets. It is large and gassy and protects us.-Much like my uncle Ben!