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Reading, Writing, and Inquiry in the Science Classroom, Grades 6-12
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Reading, Writing, and Inquiry in the Science Classroom, Grades 6-12
Strategies to Improve Content Learning

First Edition

Courses:
Science Methods

September 2008 | 136 pages | Corwin

"The strategies align with what our preservice and veteran teachers need to teach in today's classrooms. From newspapers, magazines, and research reports to adolescent trade books, the authors offer numerous strategies for supplementing science classes with various reading materials."
—Amy M. Rogers, Instructor of Education
Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA

Combine literacy and inquiry-based instruction to advance student achievement in science!

Integrating reading and writing with inquiry in the science classroom can present a challenge for teachers who may not have a background in reading instruction and who may be concerned about how to strengthen students' literacy skills while effectively teaching science content.

In this timely resource, Kathleen Chamberlain and Christine Corby Crane demonstrate how nurturing strong communication skills can have a significant impact on student performance, and provide research-based strategies for successfully integrating literacy skills with science instruction. Packed with information about reading and writing pedagogy, science standards, adolescent and young adult literature, and lesson design, this book:

  • Addresses the relationship between reading and science education, including the use of textbooks and other materials
  • Offers methods for teaching writing in the science classroom
  • Highlights the role of technology in enhancing students' science knowledge
  • Includes sample lesson plans, graphic organizers, and templates suitable for any secondary science classroom, with modifications for students with special needs

The ultimate blend of theory and practice, Reading, Writing, and Inquiry in the Science Classroom, Grades 6–12 helps educators foster the skills to communicate science ideas and experiences and give students an academic advantage.


 
List of Figures
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
1. Constructing a Scientifically Literate Society
What Is Science?

 
What Is Scientific Literacy?

 
How Do We Reach Scientific Literacy?

 
Classroom Strategies

 
Questioning

 
Inquiry Teaching Models

 
5E Lesson Design

 
Generative Learning Model

 
Assessing Inquiry

 
Standards

 
Summary

 
 
2. Textbooks in the Science Classroom
Quality and Appropriateness of Textbooks

 
Readability of Texts

 
Students’ Reading Abilities

 
Matching Texts and Students

 
Other Considerations for Textbook Evaluations

 
Strategies for Using Textbook Materials

 
Pre-Reading Activities

 
Vocabulary Development

 
Setting a Purpose for Reading

 
During Reading

 
Post-Reading Activities

 
Summary

 
 
3. Beyond the Textbook
Literature for Adolescents

 
Genres of Trade Books

 
Children’s Books

 
Comic Books and Graphic Novels

 
Poetry

 
Nursery Rhymes and Children’s Songs

 
Newspapers and Popular Magazines

 
Book Talks

 
Literature Circles

 
Summary

 
Books for Science

 
Selected Trade Books Mentioned in This Chapter

 
Web Sites Referenced

 
 
4. Writing in Science
Why Writing?

 
Types of Writing

 
Informal Writing Tasks

 
Formal Writing Tasks

 
Formal Scientific Writing

 
Formal Creative Writing Tasks

 
Assessing Students’ Work

 
Creating the Environment

 
Summary

 
 
5. Using Technology to Enhance Reading, Writing, and Inquiry
Why Use Technology?

 
Getting Started

 
Hypermedia

 
Geocaching

 
Using the Internet

 
Webquests

 
Streaming Video

 
The Globe Program

 
Project Feeder Watch

 
Course Management Systems

 
Other Equipment

 
Digital Cameras

 
Handheld Computers

 
Data Analysis Programs

 
Databases

 
Spreadsheets

 
Technology and Writing

 
Inspiration

 
Claymation

 
Visual Communicator

 
Evaluating Software Programs

 
Challenges

 
Summary

 
Sources for Computer Programs Referenced in This Chapter

 
Web Sites Referenced in This Chapter

 
Additional Web Sites of Interest

 
 
References
 
Index


“The strategies reflect what our preservice and veteran teachers need to teach in today’s classrooms. From newspapers, magazines, and research reports to adolescent trade books, the authors offer numerous strategies for supplementing science classes with various reading materials.”

Amy M. Rogers, Instructor of Education
Lycoming College

"Thoroughly addresses lesson planning, vocabulary development, graphic organizers, and meeting the needs of students in special education. This book is especially beneficial for new teachers who want to include reading and writing activities in their daily lesson planning in a science classroom."

Russell E. Eppinger, Principal
Middletown Area Middle School, PA
Key features
  • Includes sample lesson plans that are easily adaptable for any secondary science classroom.
  • Addresses NCLB legislation and national standards for science instruction.
  • Provides strategies for integrating literacy skills into a science curriculum. 
  • Addresses several major concerns of science teachers - textbook, vocabulary, writing
  • Offers suggestions and modifications for students with special needs.

For instructors

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