Incorporating Literacy into the Science Classroom

Michelle BurokerScott High School

Kenton County School District

The Challenge …

How do we provide meaningful opportunities for students, in science classrooms, to demonstrate their knowledge AND address the new literacy standards?

Historically …

Science classrooms saw literacy as lab reports.

However…

The new literacy standards are too vast for lab reports alone to accomplish the task of meeting the needs of our students.

Literacy Design Collaborative

Literacy Belongs to everyone!

The LDC provides teachers with a framework in which we can help students to connect their understanding of content and demonstration

of understanding through literacy.

MODULES = FRAMEWORK

Nuclear Energy … Is It Really Such a Bad Thing?

Within the unit on the atom, nuclear chemistry is discussed as it pertains to fission and fusion and the energy related to both processes. This unit will help to deepen the understanding students have of nuclear chemistry as they research the topic of nuclear energy and if it is an acceptable way to produce energy.

Task 2 Argumentation Module

Nuclear Energy … Is It Really Such a Bad Thing?

Teaching Task:As the concerns over global warming increase, is the use of Uranium and nuclear fission the best method for producing energy for civilian use? After reading scientific sources, write a report that addresses the question and support your position with evidence from the texts. Be sure to acknowledge competing views and give examples from past or current events or issues to illustrate and clarify your position.

Three- weeks from start to

finish.

Task 2: Argumentation ModuleNuclear Energy … Is It Really Such a Bad Thing?

Things I found helpful …

1.) Provide hand-outs to keep students focused on the appropriate mini- task.

2.)Start out by identifying what students think they already know about the topic and where they think they currently stand.

3.) Be very intentional in providing facts ONLY before exposing them to anyone’s opinion.

Task 2 Argumentation Module

Successes ….

Students were engaged in content beyond the classroom …*Many students debated the topic even when we

weren’t talking about it in class. One student became so interested in the topic of energy that he did research on how to improve solar energy.

Students gained experience in writing an argumentative piece and deepened their understanding of what it means to apply our science “classroom” knowledge to the world around us!

Task 2 Argumentation Module

Challenges/ Concerns …

Engaging Content … places where this works!

The amount of time required!*I believe this gets better as students become used to the process and the understanding of the content is worth it!

Science teachers are uncomfortable with teaching writing!

The Future …I don’t believe these modules work in every unit taught in chemistry; however, I do believe they can be integrated throughout the subject and used in such a way that our students are writing more than they were before. They are clearly demonstrating science knowledge in a real world way.