Overview
Science Techbook includes essential tools that ensure every student, regardless of their needs, can engage with and benefit from the exciting world of science.
What accessibility supports are available?
Science Techbook offers a range of accessibility supports to accommodate all learning needs. These include the following:
- Text-to-Speech Tool
- Interactive Glossary
- Immersive Reader
- Student narrative available in two reading levels
- Highlight and annotation tools
- Printable student edition pages
- PDF Document Reader
- Google Translator Compatible
- Spanish Text and Video
- Video Captions
- WCAG 2.1 AA compliant
- Ability to assign content to individual or small groups of students
- Research-based instructional strategies within the teacher materials on how to adapt lesson and activities for approaching, multilingual and advanced students
How do I use the Text-to-Speech Tool?
To have text read aloud, simply highlight it. A menu will appear—select Play Text to begin.
How do I access the Interactive Glossary?
Access the Glossary at any time from the top action bar. Navigate to the 3-dot menu and then select Glossary. Learn more about the top action bar here.
The Glossary provides access to vocabulary words for all lessons or specific lessons within the unit. Note that you can also Search for a word in the Glossary.
Each term in the Interactive Glossary includes a variety of alternative definition formats such as: animations that helps describe the term, details that include a definition and key context sentences for the term, video segments discussing the term, and/or images or diagrams.
How do I access Immersive Reader?
Immersive Reader is available wherever the Immersive Reader Icon is located. To use, simply select the icon. Learn more about Immersive Reader.
How do I change the reading level?
You can change the reading level at any time by following these steps:
- Go to the top action bar.
- Click on the "Language" tab.
- Select your preferred reading level from the options provided.
How do I print Student Edition Pages?
Ensure all students can access materials, regardless of technology availability, with printable lessons. Print Science Techbook lessons easily to overcome tech limitations and cater to tactile learning preferences, enhancing overall teaching strategies. For the best print experience, print the PDF student pages. Learn more about how to print student edition pages.
Note that the Student Edition Book is located in Unit Resources on the Unit page. Learn more about Teacher Resources.
Where can I find research-backed instructional supports?
Science Techbook offers teachers a range of research-based instructional strategies designed to support diverse learning needs. These strategies focus on adapting lessons and activities for approaching learners, multilingual students, and advanced students. You’ll find them seamlessly integrated throughout the digital curriculum, providing guidance and support as you plan your instruction. Learn more about Educator Supports.
How is Google Translator compatible?
The Google Chrome Translator is a browser extension that can translate web pages from English into approximately 100 other languages. Any of the Science Techbook pages can be translated using this option.
To enable or disable Google Translate in Chrome, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome on your computer.
- At the top right, click on the three dots (More) and select Settings.
- On the left, select Languages.
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Under Google Translate, turn the Use Google Translate option on or off.
How do I access Spanish resources?
To switch between English and Spanish, use the language menu located in the top action bar. Once selected, the entire page and all resources will update to the chosen language. If Spanish is not available for a specific page, a message will appear stating "Not available for this page."
How do I turn on video captions?
From all Science Techbook videos, teachers and students can turn video captions on from the CC button, located on the bottom right. Choose from over 100 languages.
How do I assign to individual students or small groups of students?
There are two ways to assign in Science Techbook. With both, you have the option to determine who receives the assignment. Whole class, small group, or individual students.