Amplify Science 6–8 FAQ

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page, where we’ve compiled a list of Amplify Science questions that are most commonly asked by you! This page is updated periodically. Please check here for answers to commonly asked questions. 

Getting started

Getting started FAQs

Q: How do we check our class list to ensure that everyone is added?
A: You should be able to see everyone in each class period by going to your Classwork app and reading the list of students that are in the section you filter to. However, whatever is in Amplify will mirror the roster information your IT person sends to Amplify, so you can also check with them!

Q: Is there anywhere I can get the digital cards for printing?
A: You can find materials in the Printable Resources area. For more information on navigating around in Amplify Science, watch this video.  

Q: What Spanish supports are available for Amplify Science?
A: Learn more about the Spanish materials in Amplify Science. 

Q: How does a teacher see student responses and the scoring of the multiple choice section?
A: Classwork is your feedback tool for all digital submission in the middle school curriculum. Check out this article to learn more. 

Q: How do I access the modeling tools? What about the ones that are optional?
A: Generally modeling tools are linked directly from the activity in which they are used, but occasionally teachers have the option to assign an optional Modeling Tool or Data Tool activity. This can happen when a tool is suggested in a Going Further or other teacher note. To locate links to these optional tools, please see the Materials and Preparation section of the Lesson Brief. 

Q: What is the argumentation wall and how do I set it up?
A: In many Amplify Science grades 6–8 units, teachers construct a scientific argumentation wall in their classroom (or refer to one that was posted in a previous unit). This wall will feature components of, and concepts about, scientific argumentation, which students will learn throughout the unit. This is separate from the Classroom Wall and is described in detail in launch units (Microbiome, Geology on Mars, and Harnessing Human Energy). Printed components of the argumentation wall are included in Amplify Science launch unit kits or are available in the Print Materials for the launch units. 

Q: Where can I find the assessment answer key and rubrics?
A: Assessment Guides and Answer Keys can found in the Digital Resources for the associated assessment lesson. You’ll also find PDF and Word document versions of the assessments there.

Q: Where do I find the classroom slides?
A: Classroom Slides provide a convenient option for presenting student instructions, student prompts, and other text and visuals. You can access them from the Digital Resources area of the Lesson Brief. They’re also fully editable so that you can customize them for your own classroom!

Q: How do I set up my classroom wall?
A: There are 3 main sections of the Classroom Wall: 

1. Unit & Chapter Question
2. Key Concepts
3. Vocabulary

The Unit Question is introduced at the beginning of an Amplify Science unit. The Chapter Questions are introduced in the first or second lesson in each chapter. Chapter Questions go underneath the Unit Question. 

Then there is a Key Concepts header and a Vocabulary header. These go next to the Unit Question but can be placed wherever you have space nearby. Position relevant cards under each category as you come across them throughout the unit. 

On the curriculum website, the Lesson Brief and Instructional Guide will indicate which to post when and where. You can also find examples of real classroom walls in the Amplify Science Facebook group.

Q: In what order should I teach the units, and how long does each take?
A: Learn more about pacing guidance by reviewing this help article. 

Q: Can I see a sample lesson video?
A: You can find sample lesson videos in the Amplify Science Program Hub.

Q: How much time do you suggest we dedicate for prepping for each unit?
A: Check out the Materials and Preparation section on the Unit Overview page for timing suggestions under “Preparation at a Glance” and reference the Amplify Science Pacing Guidance help article. 

Q: What suggestions do you have to keep engagement high during lessons?
A: Here are a few suggestions:
1. Stick to the suggested timing of the activities.

2. Take advantage of the engaging problem context students are exploring and be engaged along with your students. 

3. Join our Facebook group. 

4. Check out this help article on implementing Amplify Science. 

Q: Do you have specific resources/guides for differentiation?
A: Yes, check out the Program Guide with additional information for differentiation! We also have differentiation suggestions in every lesson, which can be found on the Lesson Brief.

Q: What advice do you have for teachers who can’t fit in all the lessons or need to take out some of the material in order to fit it in?
A: If pacing needs to slow down, particularly at the beginning of the year, it is best to teach an entire unit well rather than teaching parts of units. If you need to make choices for units you could consider the following:

• There are no “power standards” or “priority content” identified for science; all standards are important.
• We suggest you begin with the grade-level launch unit. Launch units introduce students to norms, routines, and practices that will be built on throughout the year, such as argumentation and Active Reading, as well as the use of the Amplify Science technology. We also suggest following the recommended timing of the activities. 
• You can find out more about timing, along with some planning guides here.

Data

Data FAQs

Q: How can I access the benchmark assessments?
A: The Science Benchmark Assessments by Amplify are designed to help teachers measure student progress toward the three dimensions (Disciplinary Core Ideas, Scientific and Engineering Practices, and Cross-cutting Concepts) and performance expectations of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). They provide important insight into how students are progressing toward mastery of different standards ahead of high-stakes, end-of-year assessments.

Q: How do the assessments online work? Are they auto-graded? Do you get a report?
A: If students submit their assessments online for the Pre, Post, and Critical Juncture assessments, the multiple choice questions will be auto-scored. You can review the scores in Classwork. There is also a reporting feature in Amplify, view this help article for more information. 

Student usage

Student usage FAQs

Q: How do my students access the sims?
A: For grades 6–8 there are two main categories of apps: Simulations and Modeling Tools. Students will be able to access digital Modeling Tools from the lessons in which they’re used. Simulations can also be accessed from the associated lessons, as well as from the Programs and Apps menu in students’ Amplify accounts.

Q: When students are in the Amplify Library, how do they save their annotations?
A: The annotations from the library will carry over to the lesson, but students need to HAND IN in the lesson that features that article. It is usually in the discussion activity that follows the actual reading activity. Learn more about Library Annotations in this help article.

Finding help

Finding help FAQs

Q: Do you have more information about Amplify Science that I can send to caregivers?
A: You can find the Science caregiver site here: 
English: amplify.com/caregiver-hub/amplify-science/  
Spanish: amplify.com/amplify-science-family-resources-intro-spanish/

Q: How can I get help?
A: First, visit our help library to search for articles with answers to your program questions. Need an answer fast? Chat with us! Click the orange icon while logged into the curriculum to get immediate help in the middle of the school day.