On a visit to Manchester’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) pupils from Lindow Community Primary School discovered that there isn’t a simple answer to the question; How many planets are there in our Solar System?
The teachers accompanying the children were brought up believing there were 9 planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) but in recent years Pluto has been ‘down graded’ to a dwarf planet where it is joined by Ceres, formerly a minor planet, and more recent discoveries Eris, Haumea and Makemake.
Pupil Isaac Bennett was delighted to find he knew more than his teachers and was able to discuss the matter with MOSI’s resident astronomer in the Planetarium. It seems that even the experts can no longer agree on what defines a planet with new discoveries constantly causing re-evaluation. Today consensus is 8 planets and 5 dwarf planets, but watch this space!
The visit, part of the school’s Key Stage 2 Science programme, also included travelling back in time to Victorian Manchester';s most horrible slums where people died of diseases caused by drinking unclean water.
Using scientific equipment the pupils carried out a laboratory experiment on purifying water from the River Irwell to make it safe to drink.
Class teacher Gill Hoodless commented: "It is great to see how practical experiments enhance the children's enthusiasm for science; they couldn't wait to tell their parents how much they enjoyed the visit and how they would like to return to the MOSI to experience more of the facilities there."
This is a member post by Richard Norris.
