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Nature of Science Complete Unit Bundle

$185.00

An essential and complete unit that introduces science and covers the scientific method, engineering design, lab practices, graphing, measurement and more!

Includes:
Understanding the Nature of Science Mini Unit Bundle
Scientific Method and Science Practices Mini Unit Bundle
Lab Safety, Lab Tools & Lab Skills Mini Unit Bundle
Engineering Mini Unit Bundle

Check out my TpT listing for the Nature of Science Complete Unit Bundle for previews, reviews and to purchase individual components of the unit bundle.

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Description

This bundle is essential for EVERY science classroom. The activities get your students thinking and behaving like REAL scientists. They can be used to introduce science at the beginning of the year or to reinforce skills throughout the year.

This bundle includes:
• Editable PowerPoint Presentation, Student Notes and Exam
• Printable and Digital Interactive Notebooks with Editable Notes and Quizzes
• Printable, Digital and Editable Bell Ringers Tiered to Bloom’s Taxonomy
• Homework with Standardized Test Prep Questions
• Reading Passages with Questions that support Informational Text ELA CCSS
• SNAPs Lab Stations Activities
• Vocabulary Activity Pack and Word Wall Cards
• Task Cards and High-Yield Review Sorts
• Differentiated Planning and Pacing Guide

This bundle includes resources from the following mini units:
Understanding the Nature of Science Mini Unit Bundle
Scientific Method and Science Practices Mini Unit Bundle
Lab Safety, Lab Tools & Lab Skills Mini Unit Bundle
Engineering Mini Unit Bundle


DIGITAL RESOURCES
This bundle includes modified files that facilitate online – distance learning:
• Fillable slides designed to work with Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Digital task cards and assessments designed with Google Forms.

Important Notes about Fillable Slides:
• Digital assignments work seamlessly with Google Slides: WATCH ME
• Each assignment is saved as an individual file with the key removed.
• Digital assignments CANNOT be edited. Only the text boxes or forms can be manipulated.
All Digital resources can be shared via platforms that are password-protected or accessible only to students.


The following resources are included in each mini bundle:

POWERPOINTS, NOTES & EXAMS
All items in these products are 100% EDITABLE. The products include:
• Presentation (concepts differentiated)
• Student notes (differentiated scaffolded and modified notes included)
• Summative examination (differentiated and answer key included)
• Standardized-test style examination (single version, key included)

Google App compatible slides and notes are included. Self-grading digital assessments made with Google Forms included. Google app resources are provided via force-copy links.

INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK UNITS
My interactive notebooks are comprehensive lessons. Each lesson includes:
• One page of input notes
• At least one INB activity (key included)
• A 4-5 question mini assessment (key included)
• A 2-part reflection exercise
• Editable copies of input notes and quizzes are included as separate docx files

The digital interactive notebook is the counterpart to the printable INB unit. Each lesson includes one page of editable input notes, a digital INB activity and a two-part formative reflection. Digital quizzes made with Google Forms – force-copy links provided.

BELL RINGERS (DAILY WARMUPS OR EXIT SLIPS)
Differentiated and tiered 3-part activities designed to “warmup” students at the beginning of a lesson. Full and half page printing options. Digital activities as a fillable slides compatible with PowerPoint and Slides included. Editable presentation and key included.

HOMEWORK
Differentiated two-page homework assignments. First page includes 3-part tiered activity with short answer questions. Second page includes standardized test style multiple choice questions. Digital activities as a fillable slides compatible with PowerPoint and Slides included. Key included.

READING PASSAGES
Differentiated reading passages with text-based evidence comprehension questions. Each passage is accompanied by a summary of key ideas and vocabulary, five tiered short short answer questions and 10 multiple choice questions aligned with Middle School ELA CCSS RI.1 – RI.10. Immersive Reader compatible documents. Digital activities as a fillable slides compatible with PowerPoint and Slides included. Key included.

IMMERSIVE READER
This resource includes reading passages that can be read to a student with Microsoft’s Immersive Reader. Immersive-Reader compatible passages are read-only word documents accessed in a web browser. Internet access required. Students are provided links to the Immersive Reader compatible passages in the printable and digital versions of each activity.

Immersive Reader is a FREE Microsoft educational tool. You do NOT need a Microsoft account to access this tool in a web browser. Learn more about Immersive Reader HERE.

Immersive Reader can:
• Read the entire passage to a student
• Help pronounce individual words in a passage as a student reads
• Translate the entire passage or individual words in the passage for ESL students
• Change the font, text color and background color for students with visual impairments

Additional Notes
• Written and video instructions for students are included: http://safesha.re/ppk
• Download a FREE unit of Immersive Reader compatible reading passages HERE.


VOCABULARY ACTIVITY PACKS
The vocabulary activity packs include EVERYTHING you need to introduce, reinforce, review and master science vocabulary! Crossword puzzles, flashcards, games and quizzes included. Printable, digital and editable components.

WORD WALL CARDS
Each card displays a simple illustration, one vocabulary word and a short definition. Half and quarter page printing options. Color and black and white.


TASK CARDS
Differentiated and tiered task card questions to help assess your students on important concepts covered in this science unit. Printable and digital task cards included. Editable answer sheets and key included.

DIGITAL TASK CARDS
Task cards designed to work with Google Forms included. Can be assigned to students with Google Classrooms or shared as a link with your students in any way you choose. Self-grading. Digital task card questions are editable. Requires internet access.

HIGH-YIELD REVIEW ACTIVITIES
NO-PREP resources to review HIGH-YEILD topics in science! Each activity focuses on a single topic to develop mastery of that topic. Printable and digital activities and self-grading Google Forms included. This bundle includes nine high-yield review activities:
• Scientific Ideas
• Lab Safety
• Lab Tools
• Measurement
• Metric Unit Conversions
• Mean, Median Mode & Range
• Scientific Method
• Identifying Variables
• Engineering Design


SNAPS LAB STATIONS ACTIVITIES

SNAPs Lab Stations Activities require students to use science, math, literacy, problem-solving and engineering skills. They combine the three dimensions of science learning – science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts – in order to meet the Next Generation Science Standards. The labs also make interdisciplinary connections to STEM, Math CCSS and ELA CCSS to build the appropriate skills. This bundle includes eight SNAPs lab activities:
• Scientific Method Lab Stations Activity
• Scrutinizing Science Lab Stations Activity
• Lab Safety Lab Stations Activity
• Measurement Lab Stations Activity
• Graphing Lab Stations Activity
• Mean, Median, Mode & Range (Statistics) Lab Stations Activity
• Error, Accuracy & Precision Lab Stations Activity
• Engineering Design Process Lab Stations Activity

DIGITAL LAB ACTIVITIES
The SNAPs labs in this curriculum are offered in a digital format (fillable slides compatible with Microsoft PP and Google Slides) to facilitate distance learning and support digital classrooms. To better support digital classrooms, each assessment station is offered as an editable, self-grading Google Form as well.

DISTANCE LEARNING COMPATIBILITY
SNAPs lab activities are rated for their ease with distance – independent learning. Refer to the Master Lab Skills List for a brief overview of how well each laboratory works in a fully digital classroom and with distance learning.

EDITABLE DOCUMENTS
This download includes an editable word document (docx file) of all lab components:
• Pre-Lab and Post-Lab Activities
• The Lab Overview
• Lab Station Activities and Questions
• Directed Synthesis Project (when applicable)

Important Notes:
• Diagrams, illustrations, tables and graphs essential to lab activities are included
• Illustrative clipart is NOT included
• Editable documents and rubrics are included with the FREE SNAPs Setup Guide

Editable files allow you to:
• Edit the scope of the activities so to suit your students’ needs
• Edit the materials required based on resource availability
• Create single-period “mini-labs” using activities at the individual skills stations


Nature of Science Unit Planning Guides
This product includes DIFFERENTIATED and EDITABLE Excel sheets to help you plan and pace each unit. Suggestions for how to use resources and create lesson plans included.

About Differentiation
This bundle is MOST appropriate for middle school grades but works great for upper elementary and lower high school grades as well. A color-shape code system will help you differentiate concepts for your students’ needs and abilities.

Next Generation Science Standards
• This bundle supports NGSS ETS standards, SEPs and NOS topics.


TERMS OF USE
• All rights reserved by Stephanie Elkowitz.
• This product is to be used by the original purchaser only.
• Intended for classroom and personal use only.
• Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited.
• This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view.
• Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Snapshot

NGSS

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)

SEP 1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Students ask testable questions about phenomena or define design problems that can be solved through engineering.

SEP 2: Developing and Using Models
Students build and revise physical, conceptual, or mathematical models to represent systems and make predictions.

SEP 3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Students design and conduct investigations to collect data and answer scientific questions or test solutions.

SEP 4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Students organize data, use statistical tools, and interpret patterns to provide evidence for claims or solutions.

SEP 5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Students apply math and algorithms to analyze data or simulate systems and solve problems.

SEP 6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Students build evidence-based explanations for natural phenomena or develop engineering solutions to problems.

SEP 7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Students critique and defend scientific ideas and solutions by using evidence and reasoning.

SEP 8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Students read scientific texts, evaluate sources, and effectively share findings through various formats.

Nature of Science (NOS) Themes

A. Scientific Investigations Use a Variety of Methods
There is no single “scientific method”; methods vary based on the question, field, or available technology.

B. Scientific Knowledge is Based on Empirical Evidence
Science is grounded in observations and data that are systematically collected and analyzed.

C. Scientific Knowledge is Open to Revision in Light of New Evidence
Science is a dynamic process that evolves when new, reliable evidence challenges existing ideas.

D. Scientific Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena
These are tools scientists use to explain and predict the behavior of systems and processes.

E. Science is a Way of Knowing
Science is one of many ways humans understand the world, characterized by inquiry and evidence.

F. Scientific Knowledge Assumes an Order and Consistency in Natural Systems
Scientists assume natural laws operate today as they did in the past and will continue into the future.

G. Science is a Human Endeavor
Science is practiced worldwide and shaped by human culture, values, and collaboration.

H. Science Addresses Questions About the Natural and Material World
Science focuses on questions that can be tested and observed in the natural world—not philosophical or supernatural.


NGSS 3‑5‑ETS1‑1. Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. Emphasis is on realistic needs/wants (e.g., shelter, device). Criteria and constraints include quantifiable limits (how much, how many, how fast, how well). Assessment is limited to defining criteria and constraints; students are not required to optimize solutions.

NGSS 3‑5‑ETS1‑2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints. Comparison may consider how well solutions fulfill criteria (e.g. strength, cost, simplicity) and trade-offs among constraints. Assessment is limited to qualitative comparisons.

NGSS 3‑5‑ETS1‑3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled to identify the best features of different solutions to combine into an improved prototype. “Fair tests” means only one variable is changed at a time; tests help determine which characteristics are best. Assessment is limited to controlled comparisons of features.

NGSS MS‑ETS1‑1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment. Includes specifying relationships among variables, and considering societal and environmental impacts in solution design.

NGSS MS‑ETS1‑2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints. Could include comparing based on efficiency, cost, durability, impact.

NGSS MS‑ETS1‑3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions in order to identify best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution better meeting criteria. Encourages blending top features from different solutions (hybrid solution design).

NGSS MS‑ETS1‑4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved. Students should understand that models (physical, mathematical, or computer simulations) are used to generate data during testing cycles, and that iterative testing/refinement leads to progressive improvement of a design. 

Immersive Reader

This resource includes passages that are Immersive Reader ready. Immersive Reader is a FREE Microsoft educational tool that can:
• Read the entire passage to a student
• Pronounce individual words in a passage as a student reads
• Translate the entire passage or individual words in the passage for students
• Change the font, text color and background color for students with visual impairments

Important Notes
• Immersive Reader is accessed in a web-browser
• Immersive Reader compatible passages are read-only documents
• You do NOT need a Microsoft account to access and use Immersive Reader
• Internet access is required
• Immersive Reader Links are included with the printable and digital passages