Dwarf Planets
A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun and has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a nearly round shape, is not a satellite, and has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit. The term "dwarf planet" was adopted in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
Characteristics of Dwarf Planets
- Orbits the sun
- Has sufficient mass for self-gravity to form a nearly round shape
- Has not cleared its neighboring region of other objects
- Not a satellite (moon)
Examples of Dwarf Planets
There are five officially recognized dwarf planets in our solar system:
Study Guide
Here are some key points to remember about dwarf planets:
- What is the definition of a dwarf planet?
- List the five officially recognized dwarf planets in our solar system.
- What are the characteristics of a dwarf planet?
- How is a dwarf planet different from a regular planet?
Additional activities could include researching the discovery of the dwarf planets, their sizes, and their distance from the sun.
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Fourth Grade. Our Solar system and beyond
Study Guide
Our Solar system and beyond 
Worksheet/Answer key
Our Solar system and beyond Worksheet/Answer key
Our Solar system and beyond Worksheet/Answer key
Our Solar system and beyond Vocabulary/Answer key
Our Solar system and beyond Vocabulary/Answer key
Our Solar system and beyond Vocabulary/Answer key
Our Solar system and beyond
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Concepts of Earth Science (SD1, SD2, SD3, SD4)
The student demonstrates an understanding of cycles influenced by energy from the sun and by Earth's position and motion in our solar system by recognizing changes to length of daylight over time and its relationship to seasons.
The student demonstrates an understanding of the theories regarding the origin and evolution of the universe by recognizing that stars are like the sun but are so far away that they look like points of light.
The student demonstrates an understanding of the theories regarding the origin and evolution of the universe by recognizing that objects have properties, locations, and movements that can be observed and described.
Concepts of Earth Science: A student should understand and be able to apply the concepts, processes, theories, models, evidence, and systems of earth and space sciences. A student who meets the content standard should:
Develop an understanding of the cyclical changes controlled by energy from the sun and by Earth's position and motion in our solar system.