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.

Machines

Simple and complex machines help us do work with less force, or effort. This unit explains what work is, as well as the relationship between force and distance. It introduces the seven traditional simple machines and how they function. One or more simple machines may be combined to form complex machines capable of doing many repetitive, difficult, complicated, or dangerous tasks. Understanding how various machines work will help students to choose appropriate machines and use them properly.

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 Machines Unit Roadmaps PDF Project Machines Unit Roadmaps
Machines 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.

Physical Science

Reading Levels

Machines

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

Simple and Complex Machines

Lesson Resources

Project-Based Learning Packs

Designing a Machine to Solve a Problem

Process Activities

Design Machines

Pendulums

Strength of Electromagnets

FOCUS Books

The Mole Machine

Let's Ride a Bike!

Waterwheels and Windmills

Wrecking Ball vs. Strong Wall

Spaceship Motions and Deep, Deep Oceans

Supporting Materials

Investigation Packs

I.Files

Ferris Wheels

Can Openers

Sailboats

Clocks and Watches

Mystery File

Army Ants

Science Fair Resources

Science Fair Project Ideas

Debates

Moving Boxes

Science Videos

A Rube Goldberg Machine

FlipperBot

Materials Engineer

Using Weights to Balance a Lever

Career Files

Robotic Engineer; Hair Stylist/Barber; Elevator Mechanic

Quick Reads

Earth Movers

Earth Movers

Earth Movers

Machines with Magnets

Machines with Magnets

Machines with Magnets

Rube Goldberg

Rube Goldberg

Rube Goldberg

Reading A-Z Books

Big Machines - Level L

Graphic Organizers

Cause and Effect

Summarize

Word Smart

Retelling Rubrics

Nonfiction Retelling Rubric

Science Diagrams

Force x Distance = Work

Simple Machines

Game Packs

Complete Machines Game Pack

Image Cards

Vocabulary Cards

Vocabulary Cards