The Case of the Missing Planet

Your Assignment: You and your group are being asked to investigate the allegations that the American Museum of Natural History in New York City has illegally removed Pluto from its display of planets.  A group of concerned citizens want to know, "Is Pluto a planet?  How come it's not in the planetarium display?"  Working in groups of three, designate one person as recorder, one as timekeeper, and one as computer operator. As you advance through the steps, take turns at each job.

Attention Search Sleuths: A news article has just come in on the fax machine. Please read it now!

Step 1:  Let's start this case off by getting some information on celestial bodies.  But first, before you begin, check out the Yahoo search engine tips page.

Now, to get some information on celestial bodies use Yahoo and type in "celestial bodies".   Do not be alarmed when it tells you that it has located 1 web site and 47,600 web pages.  Since this is more than you can handle, check out the advanced search options to refine your choices.  All search engines have search help pages.

Remember, as a Search Sleuth in training, you must keep a very complete journal of what web sites you visit, how you found them, and how you know that they have correct information.   Check out the evaluation page so that you know what is expected from your group.  Keep good records.  Good luck!

Return to top of page.
Resources
Evaluation

Step 2:  Now that you have some background information on celestial bodies.  Answer the following questions using an internet search (see the tips below).

1.  What is a planet?
2.  What are the terrestrial planets?
3.  What are the gas giants?
4.  What is the asteroid belt?
5.  What is the Kuiper belt?
6.  What is the Oort cloud?

Tips:  Brainstorm with your fellow Search Sleuths key words in each question.  Try several different search engines this time, to see if you get better results with a certain search engine.   You may also want to check out an online encyclopedia like Britannica, or check out a list of online encyclopedias. Keep good records.  Good luck!

Return to top of page.
Resources
Evaluation

Step 3:  How does Pluto fit into all of this?  You need to find information on Pluto so that you can compare and contrast it to the other planets. This will help in making a good decision as to its planetary status.

Again, working with your fellow Sleuths, search the world wide web for information that will help you in making your decision.  Brainstorm keywords and the different techniques you will use to find your information.  Keep good records.  Good luck!

Return to top of page.
Resources
Evaluation

Step 4:  It seems that this is a very difficult case to solve.   You may need to ask the advice of experts in the field of Science and Astronomy to help with solving this case.  Check out the links to asking a professional a question page.  Work with your fellow Sleuths to decide which scientists you will ask, and what questions you will ask them.  Keep good records.  Good luck!

Return to top of page.
Resources
Evaluation

Presentation:  Create a PowerPoint presentation to show your findings at the public hearing.  The slide presentation should include information on:

• The different types of celestial bodies like, stars, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
• The different types of planets (terrestrial and gaseous).
• A definition of a planet.
• A comparison and contrast of Pluto to the other 8 planets.
• A summary of what the Experts told you.
• Your findings as to whether the National Museum of History in New York was right or wrong in removing Pluto from its display of planets.

Return to top of page.
Resources
Evaluation
Introduction