Solar System: Pluto the Dwarf Planet
Learn about Pluto, the dwarf planet. Read how this dwarf planet was formed, its geological formation, and planned missions to Pluto. Students and teachers can read articles on Pluto’s demotion to dwarf planet. Includes many photographs and three related eThemes resources.
Grades
- 3,
- 4,
- 5,
- 6
Links
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Enchanted Learning: Pluto
Learn facts about Pluto, including how it got its name and what makes it different from the eight planets. Scroll down for links to a coloring page, quiz, and puzzle.
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Space.com : Pluto
This site has some basic facts about Pluto and an image. NOTE: The site includes ads.
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Pluto Reading Comprehension
Read a short page about Pluto that was written for kids. Then follow the link at the bottom for a short quiz.
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StarChild: Pluto
Learn facts about Pluto and listen to the audio. To advance to pages with more information, click on "The Facts" and "Did you Know?" buttons.
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Space Today Online: Exploring the Solar System: Pluto
Read about this dwarf planet and learn about plans to send a probe by 2015. Click on one of the five topics(Faraway, History, Planet, Spacecraft, and Go Now) to navigate the site.
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National Air and Space Museum: Exploring Pluto
Click on links to learn more about Pluto's orbit and moon and to view photographs.
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New Horizons
Learn about the mission to Pluto. Choose the link "Click here to play the launch video."
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Clyde W. Tombaugh 1907 -1997
Read about Clyde Tombaugh, the astronomer who discovered Pluto.
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Pluto
At the top of the page, choose between beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels to read more about Pluto.
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NASA: Pluto
See a photograph of Pluto taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. Click on the audio link to hear the caption.
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edHelper: Pluto Word Search
Print out the page and find words related to Pluto.
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PBS: Online NewsHour
Read this article about Pluto's demotion to `Dwarf Planet' status, and explore the links on the right for more information about the Pluto debate. This text may be too advanced for younger students, but there is good background information for teachers.
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Scientists: Pluto Not a Planet
"Planet definition approved, but dissenters plan a counteroffensive." This text may be too advanced for younger students, but there is good background information for teachers. NOTE: The site includes ads.
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NASA: Solar System Exploration
This page has facts about Pluto, including a comparison chart between Pluto and other solar system bodies.
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eThemes Resource: Solar System: Planetoid Sedna
Learn how and when the new planetoid Sedna was discovered. Read about different theories and mysteries surrounding the planetoid and its hypothetical moon. Includes graphics, photographs, and an animation. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on the solar system.
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eThemes Resource: Solar System: Planets
These sites are about the solar system and the eight planets. Find out how much you weigh or how old you would be on different planets. Learn about the planets' different climates and structures. Includes simulations, videos, and photographs. There are links to eThemes Resources on revolution and rotation, the Earth's moon, space exploration, and each of the planets.
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eThemes Resource: Teaching Tips: What is a Planet?
What exactly is a planet? Is it size or composition or even its gravitational pull? Even the scientists cannot decide. Make your own decision by using these web sites. Included are eThemes resources on Pluto, the solar system, planetoid Sedna, and asteroids.
Education Standards
- AR
- ME
- MO
- UT
- NV
- OK
- DE
- IL
