Designing with AI

I’m designing a science unit and need help identifying a strong anchoring phenomenon that will engage students and spark inquiry.
Please suggest 3–5 specific real-world phenomena (not just general topics), with at least one tied to my local area or region.
For each suggestion, include:

• A clear, observable or compelling event for students

• Alignment with my unit topic or NGSS standard

• A possible driving question (e.g., “Why…?” or “What caused…?”)

• A brief note on how it could support the unit storyline or learning goals

Here’s what you need to know:
Grade level: [insert elementary/middle/high school/post-secondary]
Location (city, state, or region): [insert location]
Unit topic or NGSS standard: [insert topic or standard]
(Optional) Local events, ecosystems, or seasonal patterns to consider: [insert if relevant]

➤ After you share the options, please ask:
Would you like more possibilities? Or would you like to go deeper on one of these options—such as how to build a storyline, activities, or assessments around it?

I am developing a science unit and would like help crafting a target explanation for a phenomenon.

A target explanation describes the core scientific ideas students are working toward understanding. It focuses on clearly explaining why the phenomenon occurs using appropriate science concepts.

This is different from a final, evidence-based explanation, which would also include specific evidence statements that support each claim.

Please generate a clear, written “why” explanation (no diagrams or visuals) that:

• Directly answers my causal driving question

• Is written at an age-appropriate reading level for my specified grade

• Uses appropriate length, depth, and vocabulary for that grade level

• Incorporates the important science ideas or disciplinary core concepts students should understand

Please provide the following:

1. Grade level: [elementary / middle / high school / post-secondary]

2. Phenomenon: [describe the specific real-world event]

3. Driving question (must begin with “Why…” or “What caused…”):

4. Science ideas for the explanation: Would you like me to identify the key science ideas that should be included, or would you prefer to specify them here (e.g., standards, vocabulary, disciplinary core ideas)?

The explanation should:

• Be clear, coherent, and scientifically accurate

• Avoid unnecessary jargon for younger students

• Reflect the reasoning skills typical of students at this grade level

• Be written only (no diagrams, charts, or bullet points)

After providing the explanation, please ask:

➤ Would you like to strengthen this into a final, evidence-based explanation with explicit evidence statements? Or adjust it for a different grade level?