Unit Overview

Students deepen scientific argumentation and inquiry skills, constructing sophisticated Claim-Evidence-Reasoning arguments beyond simple observations. Through exploring complex investigations demanding nuanced analysis, designing controlled investigations handling multiple variables and analyzing complex data for patterns, conducting peer review examining experimental designs, students develop authentic scientific reasoning scientists use in research preparing for investigations requiring careful planning and analysis.

• Next Generation Science Standards

• Inquiry Scale
  • Each lesson in the unit has an Inquiry Scale that provides directions on how to implement the lesson at the level that works best for you and your students.
  • “Level 1” is the most teacher-driven, and recommended for students in 4th-5th grades. “Level 4” is the most student-driven, and recommended for students in 7th-8th grades.
  • For differentiation within the same grade or class, use different inquiry levels for different groups of students who may require additional support or an extra challenge.