A Rose By Any Other Name

By Teresa M. Schulz

Abstract

This dilemma case, developed for a general astronomy course, provides an introduction to our solar system by highlighting the peculiarities of Pluto. The main character, Dr. Maria Ocasio, is the chair of the Committee on Small Body Nomenclature of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the organization charged with assigning permanent names to asteroids and comets. After reviewing the scientific facts and historical background on Pluto, Dr. Ocasio is faced with the dilemma of deciding “What is Pluto” by answering the question, “What is a planet.”

Download Case

Date Posted

03/21/2005

Overview

Objectives

Define orbital parameters such as semi-major axis, eccentricity, orbital inclination, orbital period, and orbital resonance; define Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) or Trans-Neptunian Object (TNO) and Plutinos.
Discuss the similarities of the orbital characteristics among the terrestrial and the Jovian planets.
Describe the differences between the physical characteristics (mass, radius, density, and composition) of the terrestrial and the Jovian planets.
Compare and contrast the physical and orbital properties of Pluto with those of the other planets.
Evaluate the arguments both for and against Pluto’s status as a planet.
Synthesize all the above and compose a working definition for the word “planet.”

Keywords

Pluto; planet; asteroid; comet; plutinos; trans-Neptunian object; Jovian planet; Kuiper belt object; Committee on Small Body Nomenclature; International Astronomical Union; Clyde Tombaugh

Subject Headings

Astronomy

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific argumentation

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

Case teaching notes are protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, purchase a subscription here.

Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.

Download Notes

Answer Key

Answer Keys are protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, purchase a subscription here.

Download Answer Key