Classifying Solar System Objects: Is Pluto a
Planet?
Los Angeles Convention Center - 408B
Solar system objects are grouped by characteristics. We
model how scientists classify solar system objects. What’s a planet, dwarf
planet, etc.? Is Pluto a planet?
Takeaways: 1. We, including scientists, group objects to help us understand and describe the world around us; 2. The way we, including scientists, group things may depend on the manner in which we are studying them, i.e., there may be more than one “correct” answer; and 3. Objects in the Solar System (planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, moons) can be grouped by their properties: rocky surfaces, gaseous atmospheres, orbit around the Sun or a planet, where they are in the Solar System, etc.
Speakers
Larry Lebofsky (Senior Education Specialist: Tucson, AZ)
Presenter Materials for this Session:
(Please login with your NSTA account to view the materials)
Solar System Classification Intro and Activity
Introduction to the Solar System Classification Activity and Images
Solar System Classification Images
Images for the Solar System Classification Activity
Classifying Solar System Objects Presentation
PowerPoint for the Classifying Solar System Objects Workshop
Bennu Introduction
Introduction to Asteroid Bennu activity.