Unit Roadmaps present three suggested sequences
for incorporating Science A–Z resources into instruction.
Teachers should consider their curriculum requirements,
instructional philosophy, and available instructional time
as well as students’ performance levels and interests.
One model might be selected when teaching a certain
science topic, while a different model might work best
for another. All three roadmaps can also be mapped
to the BSCS 5E Model.
Although the roadmaps present many of the
resources in a linear pathway, certain resources
can be used concurrently—in learning centers,
for homework, or by applying the jigsaw
method. All three models engage students
in critical thinking, reading, writing, discourse,
and the hands-on application of science and
engineering practices.
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 activityQuick Reads
Core Text
Unit Nonfiction Books
Apply Concepts
Process Activity
Dig Deeper
FOCUS BooksInvestigation PackScience Videos
Independent Practice
Interactive Science Lesson
Extend The Learning
Career FilesDebateReading A-Z Books*Fiction 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.
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 ActivityFOCUS Books
Dig Deeper
Quick ReadsInvestigation PackScience Videos
Core Text
Unit Nonfiction Books
Independent Practice
Interactive Science Lesson
Extend The Learning
Career FilesDebateReading A-Z Books**Fiction 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.
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.
Career FilesDebateWord WorkReading A-Z Books**Fiction 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.
