Teaching tools > Science content reading > Overview: New Moons for Pluto!

Description:

Star Witness news story: New Moons for Pluto! explains the discovery and confirmation of two additional small moons for Pluto. This information can be used to introduce the idea of exploration of the solar system and our efforts to understand how it formed. This selection is an adaptation of the HubbleSite press release: Hubble Confirms New Moons of Pluto.

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 Moons for Pluto! 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 how technology helped astronomers find and confirm Pluto’s new moons.

• An inquiry tool. Propose a question, such as "What have astronomers learned by studying Pluto with the Hubble Space Telescope?" Have students read the selection and write down questions they would like answered as a result of the reading.

• A source of information. 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: NASA's Hubble Confirms New Moons of Pluto

Teaching tools > Science content reading > Overview: New Moons for Pluto!