Curriculum Components

This page outlines the main components of the curriculum. Use the buttons on the left to navigate to other useful resources.

Curriculum Components

Teacher Lesson Manual

The Teacher Lesson Manual helps busy teachers plan, prepare and teach science lessons that engage their students. Each manual includes detailed, easy-to-follow instructions with everything needed to successfully guide students through investigations and conduct meaningful discussions. Included in each module is a “Teacher Background Information:” a brief explanation of essential science content, including information to address students’ misconceptions and answer their questions.

Download a sample lesson from each Teacher Lesson Manual here.

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Teacher Masters and Visual Packets

Black-line masters provide additional resources for individual, small group, and whole class instruction, along with materials to create displays. Overhead transparencies, posters, and photo cards help teachers explain science concepts.

Download sample Teacher Masters for each module here.

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My Science Notebooks

The My Science Notebook provides a place for students to record ideas, observations, and data. While they develop science process skills, they also practice writing skills. The My Science Notebook helps teachers manage student explorations and investigations, while providing a portfolio to monitor and track student progress.

Download sample student My Science Notebook pages for each module here.

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Student Reference Books (in Levels 4 & 5)

Available in the upper levels, each Student Reference Book emphasizes reading skills and engages students with high-interest material that is accessible and inviting. It provides essential coverage for standards and benchmarks, while clarifying concepts and strengthening science vocabulary. An array of graphics illustrate science concepts and enhance and extend each lesson’s explorations.

Download sample selections of each Student Reference Book for the Level 4 and 5 modules here.

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Assessment Book

Assessment Books for each module provide teachers with multiple tools to inform their instruction. Included in each book are rubrics, lesson and unit assessment items, as well as performance and skills tasks. These tools will help prepare students for different types of test items, and make them more confident learners.

Download sample Assessment Book pages for each module here.

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"I Wonder" Circle™

A poster of the "I Wonder" Circle is sent with each Science Companion module, and students also have copies in each My Science Notebook. The Science Companion "I Wonder" Circle provides a visual representation of many facets of scientific inquiry, exploration, and discovery. An introductory lesson (Lesson 0) shows how to use the "I Wonder" Circle while engaged in “doing science.” Other Science Companion lessons regularly refer back to the "I Wonder" Circle, allowing students to sharpen their awareness of scientific thinking and reflect on the processes they are engaged in.

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ExploraGear™ Kits and Classroom Supplies

These kits contain equipment and consumables for experiments and data collection. They consist of high-quality items that are easy to maintain, restock, and store. Other easy-to-find classroom supplies are listed for each lesson.

View ExploraGear kit lists and classroom supplies lists for each module here.