You are here

Reading, Writing, and Inquiry in the Science Classroom, Grades 6-12
Share
Share

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

First Edition


November 2008 | 136 pages | Corwin
This resource provides background information about reading and writing pedagogy, science standards, adolescent and young adult literature, and lesson designs. The book contains theory and practical applications. Sample lesson plans are included as models for teachers to adapt to meet their own individual classroom needs. Written by a professor of science methods and an educational consultant who specializes in secondary methods and literacy, this bookáoffers graphic organizers, diagrams, and templates that promote literacy within any secondary science curriculum. The authors also discuss using technology in the classroom and meeting the needs of all students in an inclusive setting.
 
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

For instructors

Please contact your Academic Consultant to check inspection copy availability for your course.

Select a Purchasing Option

ISBN: 9781412960717
£26.99
ISBN: 9781412960700
£62.00