Linking Science & Literacy In The K-8 Classroom

L I N K I N G SCIENCE & LITERACY IN THE K–8 CLASSROOM L I N K I N G SCIENCE & LITERACY IN THE K–8 CLASSROOM Edited by Rowena Douglas, Michael P. Klentschy, and Karen Worth, with Wendy Binder Arlington, VA Claire Reinburg, Director Judy Cusick, Senior Editor Andrew Cocke, Associate Editor Betty Smith, Associate Editor Robin Allan, Book Acquisitions Coordinator Will Thomas, Jr., Art Director Tracey Shipley, Assistant Art Director, Cover and Inside Design PRINTING AND PRODUCTION Catherine Lorrain, Director Nguyet Tran, Assistant Production Manager Jack Parker, Electronic Prepress Technician NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Gerald F. Wheeler, Executive Director David Beacom, Publisher Copyright © 2006 by the National Science Teachers Association. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. 08 07 06 4 3 2 1 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA Linking science & literacy in the K-8 classroom / edited by Rowena Douglas ... [et al.]. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-1-933531-01-4 ISBN-10: 1-933531-01-0 1. Science--Study and teaching (Elementary)--United States. 2. Science--Study and teaching (Middle school)--United States. 3. Language arts (Elementary)--United States. 4. Language arts (Middle school)--United States. I. Title: Linking science and literacy in the K-8 classroom. II. Douglas, Rowena. LB1585.3.L556 2006 372.3’5--dc22 2006004318 NSTA is committed to publishing material that promotes the best in inquiry-based science education. However, conditions of actual use may vary, and the safety procedures and practices described in this book are intended to serve only as a guide. Additional precautionary measures may be required. NSTA and the authors do not warrant or represent that the procedures and practices in this book meet any safety code or standard of federal, state, or local regulations. NSTA and the authors disclaim any liability for personal injury or damage to property arising out of or relating to the use of this book, including any of the recommendations, instructions, or materials contained therein. Permission is granted in advance for photocopying brief excerpts for one-time use in a classroom or workshop. Permissions requests for coursepacks, textbooks, electronic reproduction, and other commercial uses should be directed to Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers, MA 01923; fax 978-646-8600; www.copyright.com. Contents About the Editors Introduction Karen Worth ix xi Section 1: Linking Science and Literacy in the Classroom Chapter 1 Visions of Inquiry: Science Hubert M. Dyasi 3 Case Stories Introduction Wendy Binder 17 Case Story A: On Beyond Ordinary (Swansea, South Carolina) 19 Section 2: Science and Oral Discourse Case Story B: Powering Oral Language With the Fuel of Science (Redwood City, California) 31 Chapter 2 Talk in the Science Classroom: Looking at What Students and Teachers Need to Know and Be Able to Do Jeffrey Winokur and Karen Worth 43 Section 3: Science and Writing Case Story C: One Teacher’s Rocky Road to Writing in Science (Tucson, Arizona) 61 LINKING SCIENCE & LITERACY v Case Story D: Writing and Science: The Perfect Chemistry (Seattle, Washington) Chapter 3 Young Children’s Own Illustrated Information Books: Making Sense in Science Through Words and Pictures Maria Varelas, Christine C. Pappas, and the ISLE Team 75 95 Chapter 4 117 Using the Science Writing Heuristic to Promote Understanding of Science Conceptual Knowledge in Middle School Brian Hand Chapter 5 Comprehension Strategies and the Scientist’s Notebook: Keys to Assessing Student Understanding Ronald D. DeFronzo <