A curiosity-driven K–8 science curriculum
Amplify Science is a K–8 phenomena-based science curriculum that blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools. The result? Elementary and middle school students who think, read, write, and argue like real scientists.
Amplify Science for grades K–8 has been rated all green by EdReports.
Our approach
Each unit of Amplify Science engages all learners in a relevant, real-world problem where they assume the role of a scientist to investigate scientific phenomena, engage in collaboration and discussion, and develop models or explanations to arrive at solutions.
A research-backed approach to 3D learning
The research-based Do, Talk, Read, Write, Visualize instructional approach—developed by UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science—provides students with multiple opportunities and modalities with which to access science instruction. Independent research proves that this model of learning benefits all learners, and our efficacy research shows improved student achievement.
Students take on roles of scientists and engineers.
In each unit, students take on the role of a scientist or engineer to investigate a realistic problem. These problems provide relevant contexts through which students investigate real-world phenomena that are seamlessly integrated throughout the unit. By positioning students as engineers or scientists, they are actively engaged in designing innovative solutions and making sense of the world around them.
Authentic 3D learning brought to life
Amplify Science integrates the NGSS—and state standards based on them—not just at a surface level, but throughout every lesson of the unit. Students engage with science and engineering practices, figure out disciplinary core ideas, and make connections when they apply Crosscutting Concepts across thoughtfully structured, multimodal lessons.
Developed by science education experts
Amplify Science was developed by The Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley in partnership with Amplify. It reflects state-of-the-art practices in science teaching and learning.
A flexible, blended program
Amplify Science includes hands-on activities, print materials, and powerful digital tools to support online and offline teaching and learning. Highly adaptable and user-friendly, the program gives schools and individual teachers flexibility based on their technology resources and preferences.
What’s included
Our flexible resources work seamlessly together. Explore the units in Amplify Science.
Teacher’s Guides
Available digitally and in print, the Teacher’s Guides contain all of the information teachers need to facilitate classroom instruction, including:
- Detailed lesson plans.
- Unit and chapter overview documentation.
- Differentiation strategies.
- Standards alignments.
- In-context professional development.
Student Investigation Notebooks
Available for every unit, the Student Investigation Notebooks provide space for students to:
- Record data.
- Reflect on ideas from texts and investigations.
- Construct explanations and arguments.
Student Books
Age-appropriate Student Books allow students to:
- Engage with content-rich texts.
- Obtain evidence.
- Develop research and close-reading skills.
- Construct arguments and explanations.
Simulations and Modeling Tools
Developed exclusively for the Amplify Science program, these engaging digital tools:
- Serve as venues for exploration.
- Enable data collection.
- Allow students to explore scientific concepts.
- Show what might be impossible to see with the naked eye.
Hands-on materials kits
Hands-on learning is at the heart of Amplify Science. Each unit kit contains:
- Consumable and non-consumable hands-on materials.
- Print classroom display materials.
- Premium print materials for student use (sorting cards, maps, etc.).
Teacher’s Guides
Available digitally and in print, the Teacher’s Guides contain all of the information teachers need to facilitate classroom instruction, including:
- Detailed lesson plans.
- Unit and chapter overview documentation.
- Differentiation strategies.
- Standards alignments.
- In-context professional development.
Student Investigation Notebooks
Available for every unit, the Student Investigation Notebooks provide space for students to:
- Record data.
- Reflect on ideas from texts and investigations.
- Construct explanations and arguments.
Available with full-color article compilations for middle school units
Hands-on materials kits
Hands-on learning is at the heart of Amplify Science. Each unit kit contains:
- Consumable and non-consumable hands-on materials.
- Print classroom display materials.
- Premium print materials for student use (sorting cards, maps, etc.).
Digital student experience
Students access the digital simulations and Modeling Tools, as well as lesson activities and assessments, through the digital student experience. Students can interact with the digital student experience as they:
- Conduct hands-on investigations.
- Engage in active reading and writing activities.
- Participate in discussions.
- Record observations.
- Craft end-of-unit scientific arguments.
Science articles
The middle school science articles serve as sources for evidence collection and were authored by science and literacy experts at the Lawrence Hall of Science.
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