This earth science lesson focuses on describing the evidence indicating that the planets are much closer to the Earth than the stars. The lesson includes research-based strategies and strategic questions that prepare students for assessments. In this lesson, students read a short statement and identify the facts provided. Then, they decide what type of evidence the facts are supporting (size, relative motion, or brightness) and justify their answers. In addition to the lesson, there are seven pages of Independent Practice and review modeled after current adaptive testing items.