Choose a science topic for the unit. Look online for ideas, or purchase a book that lists science topics by grade level.
Plan the types of projects to include in the unit. Essays and vocabulary words can count for language arts credit as well as science. The history of a scientist or discovery can count for history credit. Creating a model will also count as an art project.
Plan the length of your unit study. If your student has a limited attention span, consider a short plan, such as one week. If your student is likely to enjoy an in-depth study, stretch the unit out for several weeks or even a month.
Create lessons by searching the Internet. Print out background material, and write a list of vocabulary words. Assign at least one critical thinking essay for older students, or give a younger student a simple topic sentence to expand on.
Include at least one craft project, such as making a labeled model, chart or poster. Allow more time to complete creative projects during the day.
Check your local library for books on the unit study topic. Assign a book report for additional language arts credit.
Add a hands-on experiment if the subject lends itself to that type of study. Younger students can raise animals such as ants, ladybugs, butterflies or frogs if they are doing a nature study. Students should write observations of the animal's behavior and maturation stage in a notebook.
Administer a quiz or create a scrapbook after each project. Keeping records is helpful for reporting and evaluations at the end of the year.