Should Pluto be considered a planet or a dwarf planet? Scholars research planets in our solar system to understand their similarities and differences. It also includes memory activities related to the order of the planets. 

Concepts

orbitals, periods, planets, revolutions, rotations, satellites

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Include all of the dwarf planets, rather than just Pluto

Classroom Considerations

• The lesson assumes you have more than 18 learners in your class but can be adjusted for fewer
• Extension idea of investigating satellites could be completed individually or in pairs
• The second in a series of five lessons about the solar system

Pros

• Challenging pupils to come up with their own memory tricks and share them with the class is better than just telling them a strategy
• Discussion questions and writing prompts allow pupils to apply what they have learned

Cons

• None