Reading Levels

These books contain three developmentally appropriate reading levels for each grade span.

Low
Mid
High

Each level of the book conveys similar concepts, images, and vocabulary.

Weather

Every student has personal experience with weather of some kind. We often select activities, clothing, and a place to live based on weather. Understanding the weather can also prepare us to take precautions that will keep us safe in the event of severe weather. This unit helps students explore weather's many different aspects, including temperature, wind, clouds, precipitation, and storms. Certain unit materials address what causes the weather to occur. The unit also draws connections between the seasons and their weather patterns.

Overview Resources

Print Unit Guide PDF Project Unit Guide
Unit Guide
Print Unit Resource List PDF Project Unit Resource List
Unit Resource List
Print NGSS Correlations Chart PDF Project NGSS Correlations Chart
NGSS Correlations Chart

Print Weather Unit Roadmaps PDF Project Weather Unit Roadmaps
Weather Unit Roadmaps

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Read-First Model

In the read-first model, students begin by reading texts that help them build a foundation of understanding with the core science ideas of the unit. Then they engage in hands-on investigations and use other resources to explore examples related to the concepts they read about. Students learn about general concepts before using deductive reasoning to apply them to specific examples.

Vocabulary resources can be used at multiple points throughout the unit to develop and strengthen students� fluency with the disciplinary language of science. TIP: Challenge students to maintain a concept web throughout the unit that connects the examples they explore later in the roadmap back to the core ideas they read about in the Unit Nonfiction Book.

Start Here
Generate Interest
Unit Guide
spark activity Quick Reads
Core Text
Unit Nonfiction Books
Apply Concepts
Process Activity
Dig Deeper
FOCUS Books Investigation Pack Science Videos
Extend The Learning
Career Files Debate Reading A-Z Books*

* Each unit includes one free book from Reading A�Z. To access other titles related to the science topic, a subscription to Reading A�Z or Raz-Plus is required.

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Do-First Model

In the do-first model*, students are immersed in unit concepts by completing hands-on investigations that allow them to apply science and engineering practices and construct their own explanations of core ideas. Then students read texts, watch videos, and complete more investigations that help them confirm or refine their explanations. Vocabulary resources can be used at multiple points throughout the unit to develop and strengthen students� fluency with the disciplinary language of science. TIP: Have students use a science journal to record the examples they explore through activities and readings, then challenge them to design a concept web that connects those examples to the core ideas they read about in the Unit Nonfiction Book toward the end of the roadmap.

Start Here
Generate Interest
Unit Guide
spark activity
Lead Investigations
Process Activity FOCUS Books
Dig Deeper
Quick Reads Investigation Pack Science Videos
Core Text
Unit Nonfiction Books
Extend The Learning
Career Files Debate Reading A-Z Books**

* This model may also be referred to as the discovery method, in which students use inductive reasoning to determine broad concepts by first exploring examples.
** Each unit includes one free book from Reading A�Z. To access other titles related to the science topic, a subscription to Reading A�Z or Raz-Plus is required.

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Project-Based Model

In the project-based model*, students work in teams to investigate a science question or design a solution to an engineering challenge. The PBL Project Organizer, SAZ Journal, completed project, and group presentation all allow students to demonstrate what they have learned and accomplished. The PBL Teaching Tips help teachers facilitate the project, while rubrics for teachers and students can be used to assess group and individual performance. During planning and execution, students use other unit resources to build their understanding of core concepts that they can apply to their project.

Start Here
Generate Interest
Unit Guide
spark activity
Project-Based Learning Pack
Unit Nonfiction Books Investigation Pack FOCUS Books Game Pack/ Image Cards Vocabulary Cards Science Videos Quick Reads Process Activity
Additional Resources
Career Files Debate Word Work Reading A-Z Books**

* This model is sometimes referred to as a problem-based approach to learning, in which the objective is to solve a problem. In Science A-Z Project-Based Learning Packs, students do both�solve a problem and produce a product.
** Each unit includes one free book from Reading A�Z. To access other titles related to the science topic, a subscription to Reading A�Z or Raz-Plus is required.

Earth & Space Science

Reading Levels

Weather

Read-First Model

Generate Interest

Core Text

Apply Concepts

Dig Deeper

Extend The Learning

Do-First Model

Generate Interest

Lead Investigations

Dig Deeper

Core Text

Extend The Learning

Project-Based Model

Generate Interest

Project-Based Learning Pack

Additional Resources

Unit Nonfiction Books

The Weather

Lesson Resources

Project-Based Learning Packs

Forecasting the Weather

Process Activities

Cotton Ball Clouds

Measuring Wind with a Cup Anemometer

Weather Journal

FOCUS Books

Snowflakes

Cool Clouds

Harmful Hurricanes

Our Shining Star

Forecasting the Weather

Supporting Materials

Investigation Packs

I.Files

Santa Ana Winds

Blizzards

Haboob

Hurricanes

Tornadoes

Monsoons

Mystery File

Roller Coasters

Science Fair Resources

Science Fair Project Ideas

Debates

A Hot and Cold Problem

Science Videos

From Space to You

Hurricane Hunters

What Are Seasons?

Career Files

TV Weather Forecaster; Jet Pilot; Hot-Air Balloon Pilot; NOAA Weather Person

Quick Reads

How Hailstones Grow

How Hailstones Grow

How Hailstones Grow

Lightning

Lightning

Lightning

The Coldest Place on Earth

The Coldest Place on Earth

The Coldest Place on Earth

The Hottest Place on Earth

The Hottest Place on Earth

The Hottest Place on Earth

The Power of Wind

The Power of Wind

The Power of Wind

Weather Vanes

Weather Vanes

Weather Vanes

Concept Books

All Weather Concept Books

Reading A-Z Books

The Four Seasons - Level E

Graphic Organizers

Visualize