Students who are science literate can analyze, present, and defend data – both orally and in writing. This updated edition offers strategies for K-12 teachers to link the new science standards with literacy expectations, and specific ideas you can put to work right away. Features include:

• A discussion of how to use science to develop essential 21st century skills
• Instructional routines that help students become better writers
• Useful strategies for using complex scientific texts in the classroom
• Tools to monitor student progress through formative assessment
• Tips for high-stakes test preparation
  

English Language Arts Standards and Science and Technology Standards at the secondary level can be found at this resource. Standards for K-5 reading in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects are integrated into the K-5 reading standards.

Introduction
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-10
Grades 11-12

View this 9-minute video, “Facilitating Academic Discourse” to see how teacher, Steven English refines his eighth-grade students’ understanding of scientific concepts through small group and whole class discussions. Discussion questions include:

• What strategies does the teacher use to engage his students in discussions?
• What strikes you about student discussions in this classroom?
• How would you describe the teacher’s role?

The Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), provide a clear picture of what inquiry instruction should look like in the science classroom. Teaching students how to participate in productive science talk in the classroom is a key way to help them learn about and enact the 8 SEPs. This blog briefly explains the differences between traditional classroom talk and “productive talk” and includes tools and strategies for generating and facilitating the latter in your classroom.