The focus of literacy instruction in Amplify Science K-8 is on increasing students’ facility with reading informational text, engaging in scientific discussions, and beginning to draw and write scientific explanations and arguments. The design of the Amplify Science TK units takes into account the specific needs of young students as they are learning to read, write, and discuss science concepts but does not take full responsibility for teaching basic skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, or writing mechanics.