Is Pluto a Planet? Pluto Facts and Pluto Craft for Kids

Today on The Inspiration Edit we will be answering the question "Is pluto a planet". We will also be sharing interesting facts about pluto and a fun pluto craft project for kids.

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💖 Why You'll Love This Craft
Is Pluto a Planet?
What Is a Dwarf Planet?
Why Was Pluto Downgraded?
What Are the Eight Planets?
Interesting Pluto Facts
🎨 Supplies Needed
🖌️ How to Make This Pluto Space Paper Craft
🧑‍🎨 Expert Tips
💭 FAQs
🖌️ Related Crafts
Download Template
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💖 Why You'll Love This Craft

Great Space Facts: Teach kids why Pluto was reclassified and what makes it unique in our solar system.
Perfect for Space Lovers: Great for introducing younger kids to the wonders of our solar system.
Customizable Planet: Let kids decorate Pluto with fun details like stars or icy rings for a personal touch!

Is Pluto a Planet?

As most of you probably know, Pluto is no longer considered a planet by the scientific community. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) downgraded Pluto to a “dwarf planet” because it did not meet its definition of a planet.

What Is a Dwarf Planet?

So, what exactly is a dwarf planet? According to the IAU, a dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun, has enough mass to assume a nearly round shape, but has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.

Pluto meets these criteria, but there are other objects in our solar system that also fit this definition, such as Ceres (which resides in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter) and Eris (a planet beyond Neptune).

Why Was Pluto Downgraded?

The discovery of Eris in 2005 led to the re-evaluation of Pluto’s status. Eris is about the same size as Pluto, but it has a much more elliptical orbit. This caused some astronomers to question whether or not Pluto should be considered a planet.

In 2006, the IAU held a vote to determine the official definition of a planet. As a result of this vote, Pluto was re-classified as a “dwarf planet” and Ceres was also included in this category.

What Are the Eight Planets?

There are currently eight planets in our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Interesting Pluto Facts

Pluto was discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh.
Pluto is the smallest planet in our solar system.
Pluto is about half the size of Earth’s moon.
Pluto has a very thin atmosphere made up of nitrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide.
Pluto has five moons: Charon, Styx, Nix, Kerberos, and Hydra.
Charon is the largest of Pluto’s moons and is about half the size of Pluto.
Pluto has a very elliptical orbit and is sometimes closer to the sun than Neptune.
Because of its elliptical orbit, Pluto’s climate is very extreme. The temperature on Pluto can range from -375 degrees Fahrenheit to -400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pluto takes 248 years to orbit the sun.
Pluto is named after the Roman god of the underworld.
Pluto’s symbol is a combination of the letters “P” and “L” for Pluto and its moon Charon.

🎨 Supplies Needed

🖌️ How to Make This Pluto Space Paper Craft

Step 1: To make this fun Pluto craft start by printing off your Pluto template. Then trace the different pieces onto colored card.

Supplies for Jupiter Solar System Craft.

Step 2: Once traced , you can cut out the different pieces of the planet pluto.

Step 3: Once all the pieces are cut out, assemble them together and glue using a non toxic glue stick.

Step 4: The Pluto planet will look fantastic and is now ready to be glued onto a background.

Use Toothbrush to Make Galaxy Background.

Step 5: To make the background for the Planet Pluto, flick and splatter white paint onto some black backing paper using a tooth brush or other brush.

Step 6: Once dry, the Pluto planet can be pasted onto the solar system background to stand out. Your Pluto planet is now ready to display

Jupiter Craft - Kids Solar System Craft.

💡 Pro Tip: After completing the craft, have a discussion session where kids can share their sensory experiences, reinforcing learning through multiple senses.

🧑‍🎨 Expert Tips

Texture Variety: Incorporate materials like sandpaper, felt, or bubble wrap to represent Pluto's diverse surface features, providing a multi-sensory experience.
Temperature Play: Use materials that can be cooled safely, like chilled gel packs, to simulate Pluto's frigid environment during the crafting session.
Scent Integration: Introduce subtle scents, such as peppermint or eucalyptus, to evoke the icy nature of Pluto, enhancing the sensory immersion.
Sound Elements: Add crinkly or rustling materials to parts of the craft to engage auditory senses, making the activity more interactive.
Tactile Feedback: Encourage children to describe the textures they feel, promoting vocabulary development and sensory awareness.
Layered Surfaces: Create raised or indented areas using foam or cardboard to mimic Pluto's varied terrain, offering a tactile learning opportunity.

💭 FAQs

Why isn't Pluto classified as a planet?

In 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined the criteria for planethood. Pluto met two of the three requirements: it orbits the Sun and is spherical. However, it hasn't cleared its orbital neighborhood of other debris, leading to its reclassification as a dwarf planet.

What defines a dwarf planet?

A dwarf planet orbits the Sun and has enough mass to assume a nearly round shape. Unlike full-fledged planets, it hasn't cleared its orbit of other objects. Pluto is one of the most well-known dwarf planets in our solar system.

Where is Pluto located in the solar system?

Pluto resides in the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune filled with icy bodies and dwarf planets. This area is known for its diverse and numerous small celestial objects.

Does Pluto have any moons?

Yes, Pluto has five known moons. The largest, Charon, is so substantial that Pluto and Charon orbit a common center of gravity outside of Pluto itself. This unique relationship is sometimes referred to as a binary system.