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NAME_____________________
PERIOD ____
What is a Planet?
Background:
The IAU . . . resolves that planets and other bodies in our Solar System be defined into three distinct
categories in the following way:
(1) A planet is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its selfgravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape,
and (c) has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
(2) A dwarf planet is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its
self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round)
shape, (c) has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite [of a planet].
(3) All other objects orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as Small Solar System Bodies.
The IAU further resolves that Pluto is a dwarf planet by the above definition and is recognized as the
prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects.
Problem:
Your will be working in a group of three people. Your group will research planets and potential planets.
You will evaluate the data about the objects and devise a planetary definition of your own to present to
the class. Your definition must be based on planetary data, and you must back it up with your research.
You should have a minimum of three criteria when defining a planet.
Project Requirements:
1. Choose 6 properties from the following to compare among the planets:
 Gravity at equator compared to Earth’s (Earth = 1)
 Mass of a planet compared to Earth’s mass (Earth = 1)
 Diameter of a planet (km)
 Number of moons
 Orbital period (Earth years)
 Mean distance from the sun (AU)
 Inclination of Orbit to ecliptic (°)
 Orbital Eccentricity (e)
 Rotation Period (Earth days)
 Mean density related to water (water = 1)
2. Each member of the team will use the planetary fact sheets to create 2 graphs of different planetary
data using Excel. This will give a total of 6 graphs.
3. Graphs must be saved on a flash drive to include in your group’s presentation.
4. The team will use the graphed data and any other data received from their research to come up with
a definition of a planet.
5. The definition will be put into a computer presentation. You can use PowerPoint or SMART
Notebook. This will be presented to the class. Computer presentations must be saved out on the
class wiki. You must give your file a unique name. Use your initials and period number. Save it to:
a. http://strangedays2010.wikispaces.com/
b. Choose the Group page for your group number to save it to.
6. The presentation must explain the definition and present the data backing up the definition.
7. The class will then debate the definition to determine its worthiness. Your team must defend its
reasoning behind the definition.
8. The class will vote on whether they accept or reject the definition.
Grading:
1. You will receive an individual grade and a group grade:
a. Individual grades will be based on your graphs you created.
b. Printed Graphs are due on 2/11/11
c. Group grade will be based on your planet definitions and presentation.
d. Planet Presentations are due 2/16/11
e. Rubrics for Grading are listed below.
2. Graphs:
Each team member will print out a copy of the graphs and data tables used in the project. One set will
be handed in individually for a grade. (30 points)
 Each graph is worth 10 points
 Each data table is worth 10 points.
 The graphs need to be labeled
a. What property is on the x axis? Are there units of measure associated with it?
b. What property is on the y axis? Are there units of measure associated with it?
c. Are the graphs and the data tables both given an appropriate title?
d. Does the data table label the data and include units of measure when appropriate?
e. Are the graphs and data table accurate and correct?
 Excel will be used to create the graphs and data tables.
3. Planet Projects:
The team will receive a grade as follows. (50 points)
 Was the definition of a planet based on the data presented? (10 points)
 Was it presented neatly and logically in computer presentation? (10 points)
 Did the definition take into account all existing planetary bodies? (10 points)
 Is the definition open-ended enough to include future discoveries? (10 points)
 Did the team do a good job of presenting and defending their definition? (10 points)