Phenomena-Driven Earth & Space Science Investigation Using Claims, Evidence & Reasoning.

How do we really know that the Earth is round, rotating, and orbiting the sun?

This fully interactive Google Slides lesson takes students far beyond memorizing facts—they test scientific claims using real evidence and CER reasoning.

Students investigate three essential questions:

1. How do we know the Earth is not flat?

2. How do we know the Earth rotates?

3. How do we know the Earth revolves around the sun?

Through engaging “Think & Compare” activities, students explore real observational evidence including:

• Ship-over-the-horizon observations

• Lunar eclipses

• Light-beam curvature tests

• Constellation shifts

• Foucault’s pendulum

• The Coriolis effect

• Stellar parallax

Students use CER frameworks to construct scientific explanations grounded in evidence—supporting NGSS science practices.

The lesson then transitions into the historical debate of Ptolemy vs. Copernicus, allowing students to compare geocentric and heliocentric models before analyzing Galileo’s role and researching his life, discoveries, and trial.

This lesson is perfect for Earth & space science, evidence-based reasoning, history of science units, or literacy-rich science instruction.

Includes:
✔ 18-slide interactive Google Slides lesson
✔ Multiple CER templates
✔ Historical model comparison organizer
✔ Built-in student investigations
✔ Editable teacher key
✔ Exit ticket
✔ Student-friendly research prompts

Perfect for:
▪ Middle School Earth Science
▪ 9th Grade Earth Science or Astronomy
▪ Scientific thinking / CER units
▪ Cross-curricular literacy instruction

Grade & Course Recommendations

Most appropriate:

• Grades 6–9

Course applicability:

• Earth & Space Science

• Integrated Science

• Physical Science (Earth motions segment)

• Astronomy

• Scientific Reasoning / CER units

• STEM literacy

Cross-Curricular Connections & Extensions

Cross-Curricular Connections

ELA / Literacy:

• CER writing

• Historical research on Galileo

• Analysis of scientific texts, claims, and argumentation

• Meme interpretation and media-literacy prompts

History / Social Studies:

• Renaissance science

• Catholic Church and scientific conflict

• Islamic Golden Age astronomy (noted in slides showing support from Muslim scholars in 900 AD)

Math:

• Geometry of circles, shadows, and angles

• Using patterns of motion as evidence

• Introductory parallax geometry

Technology:

• Research skills

• Analysis of visual simulations

Possible Extensions

• Model stellar parallax with classroom trigonometry

• Build a Foucault pendulum simulation or use an online version

• Have students debate Ptolemy vs. Copernicus from a historical perspective

• Conduct a “myth vs. evidence” unit on scientific misconceptions

• Use NASA’s Eyes or other astronomy visualization tools

Daily slide + literacy - based exit ticket included with purchase

Join the Lesson Laboratory and Teach for Tomorrow!

NGSS Alignment (PEs + SEPs + CCCs)

Performance Expectations

Middle School (Primary Alignment):

• MS-ESS1-1: Develop and use a model of Earth-Sun-Moon motions to explain seasons, eclipses, and lunar phases.

• MS-ESS1-2: Use data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

• MS-ESS1-3: Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of stars using brightness comparisons.

High School (Secondary Alignment):

• HS-ESS1-2: Construct explanations for the motions of orbiting bodies.

• HS-ESS1-4: Use mathematical models to predict stellar motion (applies to stellar parallax segment).

Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs)

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Ship horizon, lunar eclipse, Foucault pendulum, parallax

• Constructing Explanations (CER): Students produce claim-evidence-reasoning arguments

• Developing and Using Models: Geocentric vs. heliocentric, Earth–Moon–Sun geometry

• Engaging in Argument from Evidence: Multiple CER prompts require evidence-based reasoning

• Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information: Galileo research slide

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)

• Patterns: Constellation movement, eclipses, predictable planetary motion

• Cause & Effect: Earth’s rotation → pendulum motion, Coriolis effect

• Scale, Proportion, and Quantity: Parallax, planetary distances

• Systems & System Models: Solar system as an interacting set of bodies

• Stability & Change: Understanding historical model change (Ptolemy → Copernicus → Galileo)

Common Core Standards (ELA/Literacy)

Middle School

• RST.6-8.1: Cite evidence to support analysis of scientific information

• RST.6-8.7: Integrate visual information (graphs, diagrams, eclipse models)

• WHST.6-8.1: Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content (CER)

• WHST.6-8.7: Conduct short research projects (Galileo slide)

High School

• RST.9-10.1: Cite specific textual evidence

• RST.9-10.7: Translate quantitative/visual representations into words

• WHST.9-10.2: Write explanatory texts (CER structure)

• WHST.9-10.8: Gather information from authoritative sources (Galileo research)