Science and Engineering Practices in Real Life & Career Exploration Mini Unit

This mini unit is all about science in real life and career connections!  Students work independently to recognize how they use science in their everyday lives, all the time.  Then, they learn about the eight science and engineering practices aligned with NGSS.  Students choose to follow a simple procedure or design their own as they practice planning and carrying out an investigation.  They communicate their results through a DLIQ (do, learn, find interesting, question) graphic organizer.  This is a great first unit for middle school science!

In the extension activity, students research a science or engineering career (there are hundreds if not thousands to choose from) and create a poster of what they learn.

We use scientific language in context with photographs and graphics to make our lessons accessible to readers of all levels.  Students make personal connections to the science they learn and enjoy our highly engaging authentic assessments.  

Our lessons are written to make self-pacing as simple as possible and also work in a traditional classroom.  

When you purchase this product, TpT will copy these files directly to your Google Drive:

→ Teacher outline (PDF)

→ Student slides (Google Slides)

→ Student packet (Google Docs)

→ Summative assessment with rubric (Google Docs)

→ Extension activity slides  (Google Slides)

→ Extension activity with student rubric (Google Docs)

All Google Docs and Slides are editable to better meet your specific needs.

Why would I want to self-pace my science class?

If you are tired of cramming learning into perfect 48 minute chunks or filling that extra 10 minutes of class with busy work or if your students get stressed when the bell rings as they rush to finish a lab, then self-pacing is for you!

Self-pacing creates a relaxed, stress-free learning environment for both students and teachers and supports everyone’s social and emotional needs.

Teachers trade whole class lectures for one-on-one conversations and students spend their time doing science at the pace that is right for them! 

Our self-paced science lessons foster independence and higher order thinking while providing many opportunities for students to practice science and engineering skills. The three dimensions of NGSS (science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, disciplinary core ideas) are embedded throughout our lessons and units.

This mini unit is a part of the Back to School Bundle.

You might also be interested in these Self-Paced Science products:

• Human Impacts on the Environment Earth Science Mini Unit
• Safety in the Science Lab - An Introduction to Middle School Science
• Thermal Energy Project for Middle School Chemistry

Visit our Self-Paced Science store to view all of our products.  

Copyright © Self-Paced Science. All rights reserved.

Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

Please purchase additional licenses if you’d like to share this product.