It appears that Pluto is not a planet. So, if our school students are asked how many planets there are, how should they respond and be correct?
2007-08-17 21:23:55 · 10 answers · asked by Boomer 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
If we follow what the International Astronomical Union (IAU) says, our kids should be taught that the solar system has eight planets contrary to what we learnt when we were in school, that there were nine planets. It is a matter of definitions. The question your kid will have is why Pluto got dropped of the planet classification and here is when we need to give them the criteria to consider a celestial body as a planet. Simply put a planet:
1. Must orbit around the sun (which Pluto does)
2. Must have enough gravity to get a rather rounded shape (Which Pluto does)
3. Must have its orbit not intercepting any other planet’s orbit. This is not the case with Pluto as it gets in Neptune's way. Some people could probably argue about it and say that it is Neptune who gets in Pluto's way. Well, we could be here all day and not getting anywhere on this subject.
As Pluto does not meet all the new planet requirements imposed by IAU then it was re-classified as a dwarf planet instead of a planet.
I have seen kids in second and third grade already answering that the solar system has eight planets and not nine because Pluto is not a planet anymore. They are on top of these things.
2007-08-18 00:20:32 · answer #1 · answered by timeton 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have found over the years (I am 50 with two kids grade 6 and 8) that education and the information/ learning has changed quite a bit since I was a kid. Our children now are getting more information and more detail in it at an earlier age. Most kids know before first grade that there are 9 planets, oops I mean 8, and why there is an oops. It is part of growing up as exposure to concepts comes from everywhere, and space and technology is all around them. Ask a kid how many planets there are and they will tell you, and they will also tell you about Pluto before you ask. I am trying to help my kids remember the names of the dwarf planets like Pluto. There is a whole lot out there, more than just the 8, their interest lies in the universe to it's furthest boundary and, of course "But what is past the end of the universe, Dad?"
2007-08-17 22:07:07 · answer #2 · answered by mike453683 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Warming is occurring on SOME planets and moons in the solar system. But then, coolling is occurring on others. In fact, there's cooling on more solar bodies than there is warming. Pluto has warmed due to a quadrupling of it's atmospheric pressure in the last 13 years. When you increase pressure temps also increase. No-one knows for sure why this has happened but it has. The Sun is NOT the cause of global warming. If it were then there would be a solar constant linking all the planets and moons - there isn't. Further, the Sun's output (TSI or Total Solar Irradiance) has DECREASED in recent decades. Granted, it's not decreased by much but it's a decrease all the same. The British Court did not conclude that Al Gore had lied. In fact, the High Court dismissed the plaintiffs case and ruled that the science of the film was essentially correct. The Court ruled that the film could be shown in British schools (the plaintiff's action was to seek a ban) but that it was to be accompanied by an explanatory leaflet explaining the 'other side' of the argument so as not to cause political indoctrination. I find your last sentence very strange indeed considering the level of ignorance you have displayed. Might I suggest that you go and find the truth for yourself.
2016-04-02 03:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are currently 8 planets, and many dwarf planets, of which Pluto is one.
However, there's a bigger issue here. Should our school students be asked to memorize the names of the planets and the number of them? Or should they be taught to *understand* things in science class? I think this approach to teaching science in the early grades may be a big part of the reason why students lose interest in science.
2007-08-18 00:16:24 · answer #4 · answered by Thomas M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
8
2007-08-18 01:07:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably the same way they once referred to "The Artist formerly known as Prince". Lets start the phrase right here and now, "Pluto, formerly known as Planet 9".
I hope this helps. Good luck.
2007-08-18 02:15:33 · answer #6 · answered by ngc7331 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its called a dwarf planet.
I'm sure many many people still accept it as a planet unless otherwise stated.
in 2006 it was redefined a DP because its orbit does not completely circle around all the planets in the solar system
check this java solar system to see what I mean.
http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/academy/space/solarsystem/solarsystemjava.html
a DP is not to be confused with a Minor planet: aka comet asteroid or planetoids: aka a flying piece of another planet
2007-08-17 22:02:19 · answer #7 · answered by Mercury 2010 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they should say 8 becuase that is right. if the teacher says there wrong then have the kid come in the next day with proof that they were right and the teacher will apologise and if there lucky they will get extra credit!
2007-08-18 18:14:10 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. Smith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pluto is a planet but it is not considered in our solar system.kids have to learn about only 8 planets.
2007-08-17 21:29:11 · answer #9 · answered by aman d 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
just say 8 and now pluto is just a satellite as it is too small to be considered as a planet by astronomers
2007-08-17 21:32:49 · answer #10 · answered by astro_crabnebulae 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋