Phenomena are events in the natural world that happen consistently and predictably under similar conditions.

• Phenomena anchor the learning of a unit.

• Learning returns back to the initial phenomena to try to explain what in happening in the natural or designed world.

• Phenomena include the unit anchor and additional investigative phenomena that accompany lessons.

• Phenomena can be represented as a short video, photograph,  newspaper headline, article, experiment, demonstration or a set of data.

• As often as possible, phenomena should be culturally relevant: local context, student experiences, common happenings or occurrences, community - based, and/or PA based.

• Phenomena are NOT science topics or activities.

• They do not need to be “phenomenal.”

• Sparks interest and excitement.

• Invites wondering and curiosity establishing the context for an overarching question.

• Creates the need to “FIGURE IT OUT” among learners.

• Requires sustained investigation.