Teaching tools > Solar system > Overview: New Horizons — A Pluto-bound Spacecraft Gets a Boost From Jupiter

Description:

Star Witness news story: New Horizons — A Pluto-bound Spacecraft Gets a Boost From Jupiter documents the New Horizons spacecraft’s fly-by of the solar system’s largest planet. In addition to snapping pictures of Jupiter and its moons, the spacecraft picks up extra speed from Jupiter’s gravity on its nine-year journey to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt.

Format(s) available: Printer-friendly web page; also, downloadable PDF including story and images

Grades: 5-8, but the material can be adapted for use in other grades at the teacher’s discretion

Teachers can use Star Witness news story: New Horizons — A Pluto-bound Spacecraft Gets a Boost From Jupiter as:

• A content reading selection. Teachers should discuss the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary prior to having students read this selection.

• An engagement activity. Have students read the selection. Ask them to explain what they have learned about the New Horizons mission.

• An inquiry tool. Propose a question, such as "Why do you think scientists want to send a spacecraft to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt?" Have students read the selection and write down questions they would like answered as a result of the reading.

• A source of information for class discussion. Have students read the selection. Conduct a class discussion using the questions associated with the reading to clarify student understanding and expand on the information provided.

Related materials

HubbleSite press release: Hubble Monitors Jupiter in Support of the New Horizons Flyby

Teaching tools > Solar system > Overview: New Horizons — A Pluto-bound Spacecraft Gets a Boost From Jupiter