Michael Jones Wilmington College

 To learn science requires that one not only understands the principles behind scientific theory but also knows how to read and write scientifically.  As teachers we must find ways to integrate literacy into other scholastic studies such as math, science, and social studies to ensure that these studies are incorporated into the curriculum as opposed to leaving these studies out in order to improve literacy within our society.

 Romance and Vitale (as cited by Stone, P-3) stated that “significant improvement in both science and reading scores of fourth graders when the regular basal reading program was replaced with reading in science that correlated with the science curriculum”.  One way of implementing this is the use of trade books from real professions.  The use teaches the student the proper format for the writing experience in which to introduce their own ideas using the author’s pattern of writing as a model for their own.

 Trade books are important in teaching science literacy to young learners because they provide a balance of recommended material including picture books, essays, poetry books and novels.  Trade books and text books need to be reinforced by relating the information  Developing breadth and depth of vocabulary depends on building connections between words and developing elaborate webs of meaning.

 Use small groups of up to four to discuss the material.  Encouraging interaction between the students in the class.  Share what each had learned or specific facts.  Exploring the new material.  Group oral presentations to the class to build confidence using a format style from materials and sharing what the group found with the class.

 Bintzt, W, Wright, P, & Sheffer, J. (2010). Using copy change with trade books to teach earth science. The Reading Teacher, 64 (02),   Dalton, B, & Grisham, D. (2011). Evoc strategies: 10 ways to use technology to build vocabulary. The Reading Teacher, 64 (05),   Stone, E. (n.d.). SCIENCE AND LITERACY. Utah State Office of Education - USOE - Welcome. Retrieved February 16, 2011, from cience/NEF%20Sci%20and%20Lit.html cience/NEF%20Sci%20and%20Lit.html