Meagan Beach
UMBC

Scope on the Skies: And then there were eight

Wed, Oct 24, 2012 10:20 AM
And Then There Were Eight

I grew up with the knowledge that Pluto was the ninth planet, so I was a bit shocked when I learned it was no longer categorized as such. This article is a great read for someone interested in learning more about why Pluto is no longer considered a planet. Riddle describes the differences between planets, dwarf planets, and small solar system bodies. There is also a figure included that lists the size, category, and distance from the sun for each planet, dwarf planet, and small body in our solar system. This would be helpful for creating a visual aid that demonstrates the difference between Pluto and other planets. It is a short, concise, and informative article!

Guest Editorial: Minds, Models, and Maps

Wed, Oct 24, 2012 10:01 AM
Visual Aids

This is a brief, yet informative, article displaying the importance of visual aids in the classroom. Wesson discusses the importance of teaching students visual-spatial skills and how children who learn through hands-on activities retain the material better and enjoy the lesson more. I liked how this article was set up and that Wesson also included a step by step guide for how to incorporate illustrations, models, and maps into lessons. Including such a list makes it easier for teachers to implement the topics of this article into their classroom. It's a quick read, but helpful!