Science A-Z
What materials are
available on Science A–Z?
In what order should I use the resources in each unit?
Can I use units and resources from any grade level?
How do I use the units and resources?
Do I need to use every resource within a unit?
How do I choose which reading level to use within a unit?
How are the materials leveled?
WHow are the unit topics chosen?
Are your resources available in languages other than English?
How often are new resources made available?
Do your units correlate to Reading A-Z or other Learning A-Z products?
How does Science A-Z align with research and/or state and national standards?
Does Science A-Z align with the No Child Left Behind Act?
How do I assemble the books?
Do you offer materials in full color and in black and white?
How do I print black and white copies from a color printer?
What if I just want to sample the materials before purchasing?
What materials are
available on Science A–Z?
Science A–Z has many resources to build and support a successful K-6 science program.
To meet the varying needs and abilities of students, each unit is aimed at a grade range
at which the topic is taught in most states, and the resources within each unit are
provided at three developmental reading levels: low •, middle ••, and high •••. The K-2
units include a fourth level of science resource for Kindergarten. We have a total of
ten reading levels across the three grade ranges, K-2, 3-4 and 5-6.
Every unit includes: a unit guide, a unit map, nonfiction books written at multiple
reading levels, a nonfiction book teaching guide, quick reads at multiple reading
levels, leveled discussion question cards, leveled vocabulary cards, three word work
activities, three process activities, process activity teaching tips, three or four
career files, graphic organizers, a nonfiction retelling rubric, and a unit quiz.
In what order should I use the resources in each unit?
We suggest beginning each unit with the Spark (a hands-on, fun science experiment or a
teacher demonstration) presented in the Unit Guide, in order to activate prior knowledge,
ignite curiosity, and help students make personal connections to the topic. Some teachers
might then introduce vocabulary, or dive into the Nonfiction Books. The Quick Reads go
into more detail about topics mentioned in the Nonfiction Books, so some teachers use the
Quick Reads to reinforce concepts in the Nonfiction Books. The Unit Quiz can be used
before and after a unit, both as pre-assessment, and a comprehension check after the unit.
The Process Activities can be used at any point to let students experience the unit
concepts first-hand, but they may be easiest for students to understand after they’ve read
the Nonfiction Book. The resources have been developed to enable you to customize your
teaching, so feel free to incorporate unit elements in the order that best suits your
classroom or the material being presented.
Can I use
units and resources from any grade level?
Of course! Pick and choose the topics and resources that suit your curriculum and match
students’ interest and reading level, within any unit.
How do I use the units
and resources?
Use the resources on the “core” tab of each unit page to teach the concepts covered by
the unit quiz. Supplemental materials broaden students’ understanding and ignite
curiosity about the topic.
Do I need to use every resource within a unit?
No, Science A-Z is designed to be a flexible, customizable, tool for differentiating your
teaching. Pick and choose the resources that best suit your students’ needs. If you are
using a Science A-Z unit as your primary instruction, then we recommend you use the core
unit—science experiments, science worksheets, science books, science lesson plans,
science vocabulary, activities, and all. However, if you are using a Science A-Z unit
to supplement your curriculum, then you can choose the parts that work best for each
of your students or the material being presented.
How
do I choose which reading level to use within a unit?
A typical classroom consists of students representing a wide range of reading abilities.
Each unit in SAZ has three reading levels. If you are using a unit at your grade level,
you may wish to divide the class into three reading levels and then match the lower
level to the lower level readers, the mid-level to the average readers, and so on. You
may consider using one reading level for the unit as a whole-class activity, and then
employ the other reading levels in small reading groups, or as homework. If you are
using a unit above your grade level, then consider using only the lower level Books and
Quick Reads. Likewise, if you are using a unit below your grade level, use only
high-level Books and Quick Reads.
How are the materials leveled?
Each book is written to research-based guidelines and undergoes a rigorous process to
ensure that it is leveled correctly. The text is then run through a computer program
that scores it on the basis of many factors, including word count, number of
high-frequency words, and word difficulty. In addition, picture support, the amount
of text per page, and the difficulty of the concepts are analyzed. Finally,
Learning A-Z editors as well as a group of experienced reading specialists,
researchers, and teachers review each book. Learning A-Z’s leveling system is proprietary.
How are the unit topics chosen?
The content scope and sequence is chosen after careful comparison of guiding documents,
including the National Science Education Standards (NAP), Science Benchmarks (AAAS),
and Science Framework (McREL), and by review of state science standards and popular
elementary science programs. Unit topics are roughly divided among life (including
the human body), earth, and physical science. Additional units deal with general science
skills, such as scientific skills and measurement. Some units are interdisciplinary;
for example, the Water unit includes ideas from life and health, earth, physical science
and technology. Other strands, such as systems, the environment, and the nature of science,
are infused as appropriate.
Are
your resources available in languages other than English?
At this time, Science A–Z resources are available only in English. However, we do
everything we can to meet the needs of our customers. If you would like to request
resources in an alternate language, please send your request to our customer service
department at
support@learninga-z.com
How often are
new resources made available?
We generally add new resources to the website every six weeks. The Welcome box on the
home page features new resources. Additionally, members receive periodic updates via
email.
Do your units correlate to Reading A-Z or other Learning A-Z products?
Yes, we provide correlations to Reading A-Z books,
RAZ-Kids books,
Writing A-Z lessons and Vocabulary A-Z can
also be used to support Science A-Z units.
How does Science A-Z align with research and/or state and national standards?
Science A–Z lessons and materials incorporate best practices from current educational
research. Our resources align with the National Science Education Standards as well
as most state standards.
Does Science A-Z align with the No Child Left Behind Act?
Yes. Science is an important part of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA), which
requires that schools test student progress in science, as well as reading and math.
Unit quizzes are provided as well as instructional support for reading comprehension
skills as described in the NCLBA.
How do I assemble the books?
Book assembly instructions for each book are located on the Supplemental Tab of each
unit’s download page. Look for the Assemble Your Book button.
Do you
offer materials in full color and in black and white?
Science A-Z offers full-color materials. If you want to print them in black and white on a
black and white printer, simply download the materials and press print. If you wish to
print them in black and white on a color printer, see
How do I print black and white copies from a color printer?
How do I print black and white copies from a color printer?
All materials are set to print in color. Remember to adjust your printing preferences if black and white output is desired from a color printer.
What if I just want to sample the materials before purchasing?
To preview the resources before purchasing, visit the Free Sample section.
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