Linking Science, Inquiry and Language Literacy

Science Companion

Science Companion

Science Companion

Science Companion
Science Companion is the K-6 science curriculum program selected for L-SILL because of its focus on inquiry, developmentally appropriate content, pedagogical strategies, focus on the big ideas of science, and strong integrated literacy components. Science Companion incorporates children's literature to model processes of science as well as to illustrate concepts and ideas. Scientists' notebooks are an integral part of each kit, integrating a writing component. Questions and discussions are scaffolded in the Teacher's Guides to assist teachers in guiding science discourse that will enhance students' conceptual understanding of the targeted concepts. Reading, writing, and speaking are the essential components of literacy and Science Companion uses these to support science learning. Visit the MMSA to arrange a workshop at your school. For a description of the Science Companion program, visit the Science Companion website.

Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading

Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading is a collaborative effort, partially funded by the National Science Foundation, between the Lawrence Hall of Science and University of California at Berkeley. This project represents an effort to capitalize on the natural science and literacy connections. Nine units in physical, life, and earth/space sciences for Grades 2-5 are in development. These units engage students in first and second-hand investigations to learn about the natural world. Students do science and read, write, and talk about the experiences. Completed units are: Grades 2-3: Soil Habitats, Shoreline Science, Designing Mixtures. Other units in development are: Grades 2-3: Gravity and Magnetism; Grades 3-4: Light Energy, Weather and Water, Digestion and Body Systems, and Variation and Adaptation; Grades 5-6: Aquatic Ecosystems, Planets and Moons, Chemical Changes, and Models of Matter. For a description of the Seeds/Roots program, visit the Seeds/Roots website.

Engineering is Elementary (EIE)

The Engineering is Elementary (EiE) project aims to foster engineering and technological literacy among children. EiE is creating a research-driven, standards-based, and classroom-tested curriculum that integrates engineering and technology concepts and skills with elementary science topics. EiE lessons not only promote K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning, but also connect with literacy and social studies. For a description of the EiE program, visit the EiE website.

               

Elementary GLOBE

Elementary GLOBE is designed to introduce students of grades K-4 to the study of Earth System Science (ESS). Elementary GLOBE forms an instructional unit comprised of five modules that address ESS and interrelated subjects including weather, hydrology, phenology, and soils. Each Elementary GLOBE module contains a science-based storybook and classroom learning activities. For a description of the Elementary GLOBE program, visit the Elementary GLOBE website.

               

Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance