Summary
Explains what a dwarf planet is and why Pluto was reclassified from a planet to a dwarf planet. A fun way to talk about how scientists change ideas with new evidence.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Pluto used to be called a planet but is now called a dwarf planet.
- What is a dwarf planet?
- Why did scientists change Pluto from a planet to a dwarf planet?
- How is it okay for scientists to change their minds when they learn something new?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: Pluto, dwarf planet, orbit, evidence.
Try it: Write one sentence explaining why Pluto is a dwarf planet and not one of the eight planets.