Minerals Phenomena-Based Lesson: Colossal Twelve-Meter Selenite Gypsum Crystals of the Naica Cave Teacher Discussion Guide | Earth & Space Science | 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 high school Earth & Space Science (grades 9–12) chapter Minerals, built around the phenomenon Colossal Twelve-Meter Selenite Gypsum Crystals of the Naica Cave. It is sold separately from the other two parts of the set.

Complete the set: Minerals Phenomena-Based Lesson: Colossal Twelve-Meter Selenite Gypsum Crystals of the Naica Cave Presentation; Minerals Phenomena-Based Lesson: Colossal Twelve-Meter Selenite Gypsum Crystals of the Naica Cave Student Response Sheet. Scaffolded version: Minerals Scaffolded Phenomena-Based Lesson: Colossal Twelve-Meter Selenite Gypsum Crystals of the Naica Cave Teacher Discussion Guide.

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 did microscopic calcium and sulfate ions organize into fifty-ton flawless crystalline beams beneath the desert floor?”

What's inside: Teacher Discussion Guide (editable .docx + PDF, about 1,778 words, 7 pages); answer key / model answers for the teacher.

Standards: HS-ESS2-1 — Develop a model to illustrate how Earth’s internal and surface processes operate at different spatial and temporal scales to form continental and ocean-floor features. HS-ESS3-2 — Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.

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 high school Earth & Space Science, 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.