Introduction to Physics & the Scientific Method Phenomena-Based Lesson: Measuring the Macroscopic Curvature and Circumference of Planet Earth Using Midday Sunbeam Shadows in Deep Wells Teacher Discussion Guide | Academic Physics | Grades 9–12

This is the teacher discussion guide, with lesson flow, facilitation questions, anticipated student ideas and model explanations for leading the class discussion for the Phenomena-Based Lesson in the Academic Physics (grades 9–12) chapter Introduction to Physics & the Scientific Method, built around the phenomenon Measuring the Macroscopic Curvature and Circumference of Planet Earth Using Midday Sunbeam Shadows in Deep Wells. It is sold separately from the other two parts of the set.

Complete the set: Introduction to Physics & the Scientific Method Phenomena-Based Lesson: Measuring the Macroscopic Curvature and Circumference of Planet Earth Using Midday Sunbeam Shadows in Deep Wells Presentation; Introduction to Physics & the Scientific Method Phenomena-Based Lesson: Measuring the Macroscopic Curvature and Circumference of Planet Earth Using Midday Sunbeam Shadows in Deep Wells Student Response Sheet.

Sections: NGSS Dimension; Specific Performance Expectation & Dimensional Alignment; Slides; Segment; Focus Activity & Instructional Goal; Anchoring Driving Question (student Sensemaking):; Talk Move Category; Teacher Facilitation Prompt & Sensemaking Strategy. Sample item: “How can a scholar standing on the flat ground calculate the true spherical dimensions of an entire planet using only a vertical stick, a deep well, and simple geometric optics?”

What's inside: Teacher Discussion Guide (editable .docx + PDF, about 1,775 words, 7 pages); answer key / model answers for the teacher.

Standards: NGSS High School Physical Science (HS-PS) disciplinary core ideas and the science practices of analyzing data and constructing explanations.

Resource type: Phenomena-Based Lesson – Teacher Discussion Guide. Format: editable Microsoft Word file plus a ready-to-print PDF.

Classroom use: Open with the phenomenon slide show, let students record ideas on the response sheet, and lead the discussion with the teacher guide. Built for Academic Physics, grades 9–12.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.