Instruments Used in Earth Science Phenomena-Based Lesson: Twin GRACE Satellites Measuring Planetary Ice Loss Across Orbiting Microns Teacher Discussion Guide | Middle School Earth Science | Grades 6–8

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 Middle School Earth Science (grades 6–8) chapter Instruments Used in Earth Science, built around the phenomenon Twin GRACE Satellites Measuring Planetary Ice Loss Across Orbiting Microns. It is sold separately from the other two parts of the set.

Complete the set: Instruments Used in Earth Science Phenomena-Based Lesson: Twin GRACE Satellites Measuring Planetary Ice Loss Across Orbiting Microns Presentation; Instruments Used in Earth Science Phenomena-Based Lesson: Twin GRACE Satellites Measuring Planetary Ice Loss Across Orbiting Microns Student Response Sheet. Scaffolded version: Instruments Used in Earth Science Scaffolded Phenomena-Based Lesson: Twin GRACE Satellites Measuring Planetary Ice Loss Across Orbiting Microns Teacher Discussion Guide.

Sections: NGSS Dimension; Specific Performance Expectation & Dimensional Alignment; Slides; Segment; Focus Activity & Instructional Goal; Anchoring Driving Question (student Sensemaking):; Teacher Script (read Aloud To Introduce Phenomenon):; Talk Move Category. Sample item: “• Tier 1 Observation: What changes between the two satellites as they pass over an unusually massive mountain range or thick ice sheet?”

What's inside: Teacher Discussion Guide (editable .docx + PDF, about 1,412 words, 6 pages); answer key / model answers for the teacher.

Standards: NGSS Middle School Earth & Space Science (MS-ESS) 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 Middle School Earth Science, grades 6–8.

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.