Core resources available in every Science A-Z Unit include:

Nonfiction Books - Address core concepts and provide details that support unit objectives. Each book is offered at three reading levels: low •, mid ••, and high ••• to convey similar concepts, images, and vocabulary at developmentally appropriate reading levels. Each book also appropriately leveled quizzes. Question types include literal, inferential, data analysis, and constructed response.

Process Activities - Experiments and activities that provide hands-on practice with unit concepts. Includes materials list, procedures, data sheets, and questions to help students analyze data and draw conclusions. Can be adjusted by teacher for open-ended inquiry.

Vocabulary Cards - Unit vocabulary terms defined on clippable cards. Each card includes the part of speech and levels of the reading material in which the term appears.

Quick Reads - Magazine-like fact sheets on specific topics related to the unit content. Each topic is provided at three reading levels. Brain Check questions provide discussion, writing, and homework options.

Career Files - Several science career opportunities related to the unit topic, spanning various degrees of prerequisite education. STEM careers are indicated with a special icon.

Debates - Allow students to consider several opposing perspectives on an issue related to unit concepts. Position cards are provided for extra support. Accompanied by primary and intermediate versions of the Debate Teacher's Guide.

Word Work - Single-page worksheets that reinforce important science concepts, while allowing individual practice and assessment. Answer sheets are provided.

Science Fair Resources - A wealth of resources for students and their families to help the student complete a science fair project.

Reading A-Z Books - Science A-Z customers have access to one Reading A-Z book for each instructional unit in the Life, Earth and Space, and Physical Science domains. Each leveled book supports the content of the science unit.

Game Packs - Fun activities created to solidify science vocabulary and reinforce each unit's concepts.


Supporting resources available in some Science A-Z Units include:

Investigation Packs - Sets of student reading materials that foster group discussion and collaboration. The texts and activities help students dig deeper into the science content found in existing Science A-Z units, while also practicing key science and literacy skills.

FOCUS Books - Twelve-page books that help students focus more deeply on the specific content related to the unit. Each set of five books has a mix of reading levels for differentiated instruction. The FOCUS Question sets the purpose for reading and connects to a crosscutting science concept. The Read-Think-Write page assesses students' reading comprehension and understanding of the content.

Project-Based Learning Packs - Inquiry-based projects for students to build teamwork skills by collaborating to answer the Driving Question. Student resources help individuals and teams plan their project and stay organized throughout. Teacher resources help teachers facilitate the project, as well as assess student performance.

Science Videos - Instructional and engrossing videos showing real-world examples of science concepts in a way that text and static diagrams cannot.

Concept Books - Short books covering a Big Idea, allowing students to make connections between various concepts within an instructional unit. Concept books can be located in the Supporting Materials section of select units.

Science Diagrams - Illustrate important content to help students read and interpret charts and diagrams, ideal for visual learners.


Additional Science A-Z resources available independent of a Unit include:

Science in the News - High-interest articles related to current events in science, technology, engineering, and other subjects, helping students to explore the fascinating, dynamic world of science news while developing the genre-specific skill of reading the news. Provided at three levels: upper, middle, and early elementary. Past issues available in the archive.

Scientist and Inventor Cards - Trading cards that help students learn about science as a human endeavor. The cards feature historical and contemporary individuals who have made significant contributions to science, engineering, technology, and industry.

Graphic Organizers - Aid comprehension by providing a students a structure for connecting old and new information.

Retelling Rubrics - Assess students' comprehension of books and scientific texts against consistent criteria using the details provided by the student.