Strategies and tips for teaching Science

Presented by: Debbie Collins and Sue Hawkins

HeuristicsWhat does it mean?

Heuristics• I say and write

it

• We say it

• Y’all say and write it

• You say it and write a complete sentence

Heuristics Adj. -using experience to learn and improve; noun - a framework

I use heuristics to continually improve ______.

I used heuristics as a noun.

Vocabulary • Language based science

games

• Picture glossary

• Common lexicon

• Root words

• Cognates

• Word walls

New resources for vocabulary

Developed by ESOL teachers

Debra Collins – Lewis E.S.

Dena Daniel – Argyle E.S.

Emily Dozier – Hollydale E.S.

Suzanne Hawkins – Riverside Intermediate E.S.

Zoe Pettas – Cheatham Hill E.S.

Kathryn St. George – Pitner E.S.

New resources for vocabulary

Picasso

Science Videos

Introduce a variety of new terms and concepts Use with graphic organizers or outlines Don’t be afraid to show more than once

l 

Click icon to add picture

Instruction

• Wait time

• Analogies

• Think/pair/share

• Inside/outside circle

• “Secret Answer”

• “Every Student Gets A Chance”

Visualization

Visual literacy, or the ability to evaluate, apply, or create conceptual visual representation

Oral Explanations

(aka Lectures)

• Speak slowly, distinctly

• Write down key words

Labs and Demonstrations

• Hands-on activities

• Clear procedural steps

• Model activities

• Pictorial guide

Charts, Graphs, and

Figures

• Scatter and line graphs,

• Column and bar charts,

• Pie and area graphs

Reading and Writing

• Journaling

• Science reading integrated with guided reading

• Ticket out the door

• Pictionary

• Write a friendly letter

• Nonfiction writing

• Descriptive writing

Strategies and hints for English Language Learners (and those others who need a little more support.)

Interpersonal Strategies

Group projects Cooperative learning

Partner English learners with strong English speakers

Bilingual partners can be a help or hindrance.Role models don’t have to be bilingual.

Student Talk

Think/pair/share: all students practice English by explaining science concepts.

Pretest with a partner: pairs take pretest together (shared reading, discuss, take turns marking)

Find your match: students mingle and match vocabulary words (pictures) to definitions

Encourage participation

Positive & supportive environment It’s okay to make mistakes

Structure

• Consistent routines

• Outlines

• Road map

• Relate to prior knowledge

Debbie Collins Debra.Collins@cobbk12.org

Sue Hawkins Suzanne.Hawkins@cobbk12.org

Resources:

99 Ideas and Activities for Teaching English Learners with the SIOP Model, Vogt & Echevarria, ISBN 13: 978-1-4029-370303

Reading Strategies for Science, Macceca, ISBN 978-1-4258-0053-6