Rocks Scaffolded Phenomena-Based Lesson: Forty Thousand Hexagonal Columnar Basalt Pillars of Giant's Causeway 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 Scaffolded Phenomena-Based Lesson in the high school Earth & Space Science (grades 9–12) chapter Rocks, built around the phenomenon Forty Thousand Hexagonal Columnar Basalt Pillars of Giant's Causeway. This scaffolded version adds sentence frames and extra supports for students who need them. It is sold separately from the other two parts of the set.

Complete the set: Rocks Scaffolded Phenomena-Based Lesson: Forty Thousand Hexagonal Columnar Basalt Pillars of Giant's Causeway Presentation; Rocks Scaffolded Phenomena-Based Lesson: Forty Thousand Hexagonal Columnar Basalt Pillars of Giant's Causeway Student Response Sheet. Original version: Rocks Phenomena-Based Lesson: Forty Thousand Hexagonal Columnar Basalt Pillars of Giant's Causeway Teacher Discussion Guide.

Sections: Section 1: Three-dimensional Learning Alignment (ngss); NGSS Dimension; Scaffolded Three-dimensional Learning Goal; Section 3: Scaffolded Science Talk Moves Matrix; Scaffolded Talk Move; Verbatim Facilitation Prompt & Talk Goal; Everyday Student Misconception (flawed Claim); Scientific Evidence & Intuitive Correction. Sample item: “Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten rock called magma or ____________.”

What's inside: SCAFFOLDED Teacher Discussion Guide (editable .docx + PDF, about 1,279 words, 4 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-ESS2-3 — Develop a model based on evidence of Earth’s interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.

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.