UHD-CPDT Lesson Plan
Teacher Candidate: Veronica Salinas Email: salinasv13@gator.uhd.edu
Mentor Teacher/School/room number: Monique Washington/ Fleming Middle School/
FEI: Think-Pair-Share Date: 12/15/2021 Time: 11:00 a.m.
Grade: 8th Subject: Science Concept: Earth and Space
I. PLANNING PROCESS PHASE
Objective(s):
 describe components of the universe, including stars, nebulae, and galaxies, and use models such as the
Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for classification.


recognize that the Sun is a medium-sized star located in a spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy and that the Sun is
many thousands of times closer to Earth than any other star.
Demonstrate and predict the sequence of events in the lunar cycle.
TEKS:
(8.7) Earth and space. The student knows the effects resulting from cyclical movements of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.
(8.8) Earth and space. The student knows the characteristics of the universe.
Student-Centered Rationale: Students will be able to explain, demonstrate, and recognize the rotation and revolution of
planet Earth and the moon, the moon phases, and the orbits of the different planets.
Cross-Disciplinary Connections: ELA: Students will be logging the phases of the moon and predicting the next phase and
their reasonings behind it, communicating valid conclusions supported by the data and predicting trend.
Special Needs Student Accommodations/Differentiation: Groups were mixed with all abilities and were given graphic
organizers, vocabulary sheets with both English and Spanish definitions, and encouraged team participation.
Extensions and Contingency Plan(s): Students will build or create moon phase calendars, solar system models and an up-to-scale
universe.
Description of the Learning Environment: Classroom
Materials: White boards, expo markers, PowerPoint, Vin Diagram
Technology: Clever Touch, PowerPoint
II. TEACHING PHASE (LESSON CYCLE):
Give Time estimates before each section.
5 Minutes A. Focus: Student’s will be asked to sit down and have their Chromebook ready and enter code to Pear Deck.
10 Minutes B. Student-Centered Objective: Students will be introduced to (8.7) Earth and space. The student knows the effects
resulting from cyclical movements of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. (8.8) Earth and space. The student knows the
characteristics of the universe.
5 Minutes C. Rationale: Student Will have to explain the Earth’s position in the solar system, why the moon has phases, the number of
planets that are in the solar system, and that all the planets revolve around the sun.
10 Minutes D. Teach/Active Engagement: Students will be writing down what they currently know about the solar system, they will
then get together with a partner, compare knowledge, and write down things they did not know and things they
knew together.
30Minutes E. Closure: Students will watch videos and write down key facts and data about our solar system, they will be able to
determine w what is the difference between gas giants and terrestrial planets. Students will also know the order of the planets and what
their environment is made of. When students have completed the video, they will go into the link on the Pear Deck and complete the
exit ticket questions.
III. REFLECTING PHASE (AFTER THE LESSON)
During my lesson I clarified that it was an introduction to what they would learn when they returned from winter break.
My students were a little disgruntled with me since this was presented on their “free week.” I was incredibly surprised
that many of my students did not remember the order of the planets, or which ones were terrestrial, and which ones
were gas. It was determined that when I do start this lesson in January, I will have to start from a lower level to ensure
that my students fully comprehend the material to ensure that they meet the standards.