Pages 5–10 Reread the section where Pluto compares itself to the other planets and moons. Why does Pluto call itself “special”? Possible responses: Pluto calls itself a “runt” because it’s smaller than Earth’s moon. It spins with its moons (Charon, Styx, Nix, Kerberos, Hydra). It’s poky, taking 248 years to travel around the sun. Its orbit is tilted. Pages 13–15 Reread the section about the
SPOTLIGHT ON LANGUAGE On page 11, Pluto says “I have a heart.” Discuss how the author doesn’t mean that literally—planets don’t have hearts. It refers to a frozen area of the planet called the Tombaugh Regio. On page 12, Pluto describes itself as “frozen but friendly.” Discuss how the word “friendly” means kind, and that “having a heart” also refers to kindness.
distance between Pluto and the sun. Why are Earthlings unable to see Pluto?
Possible responses: Pluto is far away from the sun. If Earth is one step away from the sun, then Pluto is 39 steps away. Pages 17–18 Read about how telescopes were used to discover Pluto and other objects in space. How did the invention and use of telescopes change our understanding of our solar system? Possible responses: Telescopes allow humans to discover planets that are too far away to see with just their eyes. Telescopes show us that more objects exist in our solar system than originally thought. Pages 19–20 Reread the part where Pluto is discovered. Why does the author describe February 18, 1930 as the “Best. Day. Ever!”? Possible responses: It was the best day because Pluto was finally discovered. Pages 25–28 Reread about Pluto being reclassified as a dwarf planet. Why was Pluto changed from a planet to a dwarf planet? What does this change tell us about how science works? Possible responses: Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet because it does not meet all the rules for what makes a planet. Unlike planets, dwarf planets aren’t big enough to clear other objects in the way of their orbit. This change shows that science is always evolving based on new information and discoveries. Explore More If time allows, continue the discussion with these additional prompts. Why does Pluto predict that there will be other non-planets discovered in the future? Can you think of another time when scientists found something new that changed what we know? Why do you think Pluto says it’s not a planet and that’s “not a problem”?
Leader’s Guide • Lesson 2 | 39
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs