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Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2006 > August > 24 > Entry
Pluto’s peril and other planet problems
Now that Pluto has been declared “not a planet” by scientists, there are some very important implications for schools everywhere:
—How many millions of dollars will it cost to rewrite every science textbook in the world?
—Will there be a ceremonial plucking of Pluto off the solar system models?
—And most importantly, have scientists really thought about how hard it’s going be for fifth grade boys to keep a straight face when their teachers tell them Uranus is now at the rear of the solar system?
(Image credit: http://www.physics.uc.edu/)
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Teaching and Learning
Comments
By Oldprof
August 25, 2006 5:48 PM | Link to this
Ah, the old jokes…unfortunately it’s a mispronunciation, the Latin name would be “oo-RAH-noose” not “yer-AY-nuss”. And as for the cost of re-writing those science texts, the publishers are doubtless overjoyed at the prospect of a new edition to boost sales.By Lyle
August 25, 2006 5:19 PM | Link to this
RE Mary, Aug 25. In context,that article was a portion of the overall scientific debate. Viewed in total it is not confusing. We now see live the process what previously the public was unaware. The discussions were only known within a tight community. Good for the modern world.By Mary
August 25, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
Maybe if the boys were also taught by the science teacher about all the medical exams in their future, they would get serious about Uranus.By Scott Elliott
August 25, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
It seems Rick was actually paying attention when they went over the planet sequence in fifth grade while I was busy snorting at my buddies’ Uranus jokes. Rick not only knows the solar system better than I do, his jokes are funnier than mine! I am humbled.By Rick
August 25, 2006 9:56 AM | Link to this
Ummm, funny “cracks” notwithstanding, Neptune is still beyond Uranus as the “rear-most” planet in the solar system.By Mary
August 25, 2006 7:37 AM | Link to this
I guess I am a little confused about this. I thought a few weeks ago there were some articles about scientists wanting to declare some additional planets out past Pluto. Has science become unruly and inept like the rest of our culture?