Science literacy or literacy in science

Derek HodsonO.I.S.E., University of Torontohttp://www.mun.ca/educ/faculty/mwatch/fall05/hodson.htm

Science literacy http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/81-004-x/def/4068750-eng.htm

• PISA 2006 defines science literacy as an individual’s scientific knowledge and use of that knowledge to identify questions, to acquire new knowledge, to explain scientific phenomena, and to draw evidence based conclusions about science-related issues, understanding of the characteristic features of science as a form of human knowledge and enquiry, awareness of how science and technology shape our material, intellectual, and cultural environments, and willingness to engage in science-related issues, and with the ideas of science, as a reflective citizen.

What is it?

• http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/inspire/research/WW_science_literacy.pdf Science and Literacy in the Elementary Classroom By Dr. Paul Elliott,School of Education and Professional Learning,Trent University)

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3P-AX9Wtgk

Science literacy… then and now…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-elygXbo7s

Then you have to deal with this…

Starting with an end in mind: why is it useful to be science literate.• http://www.ted.com/talks/ben_goldacre_battling_bad_science.html

Who Can Help?

• Alberta Science Literacy Association:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgrCF1MBf1Y

• Engineer in Classrooms:http://www.eir.ca/about_eir/eir-do.php?link=5

• Lets talk science:http://www.letstalkscience.ca/

How does it look in class…?

• …effective teachers…• Familiarize students with expository texts• Promote vocabulary development• Promote word identification skills• Build reading fluency• Teach comprehension strategies when

needed.

What does research say about literacy and science…?

• Learners construct knowledge FOR themselves.

• When students experience something, they start to see RELATIONSHIPS to own prior learning.

• To start connecting to prior knowledge, they need to HAVE some prior knowledge.

The 5-E Instructional Model…

• ENGAGE+EXPLORE+EXPLAIN +EXTEND+EVALUATE

• From the Thames Valley District School Board.http://www.tvdsb.ca/programs.cfm?subpage=102110

Different from the Cookbook Science Lesson…http://www.tvdsb.ca/uploads/S&TDVD/Appendix%20T-contrasting%20cookbook_vs_inquiry.pdf