"Finally, a book with sound research and ready-to-use strategies to connect reading and science!" —Jenny Sue Flannagan, Director, Martinson Center for Mathematics and Science, School of Education, Regent University "This work shows how reading scientific texts differs from reading literary texts and describes the tools teachers need to teach reading in science." —Stephen P. Norris, Canada Research Chair in Scientific Literacy, University of Alberta "The authors address what few recognize—that reading is an issue in science, but ultimately no one is teaching students to read science." —Sally Koczan, Science Teacher, Wydown Middle School, Clayton, MO Boost students′ understanding of science with literacy strategies! Research has long supported the positive effects of integrating literacy practices into the science curriculum; now this helpful and timely resource offers science educators effective strategies that they can implement immediately. Teachers of students in Grades 3–8 will find innovative ideas—aligned with national science education standards—for incorporating language analysis and science literature into inquiry-based science classrooms. Included are activities as well as sample lessons to help students: Read and comprehend science texts Find related resources to explore particular interests Build their science vocabulary Write to learn science concepts This volume is valuable for teachers, leaders of professional development workshops, institutes, topical seminars in science and literacy, science and reading methods courses, and study groups.

"From leading authorities in both adolescent literacy and content-area teaching, this book addresses the particular challenges of literacy learning in each of the major academic disciplines. Chapters focus on how to help students successfully engage withtexts and ideas in English/literature, science, math, history, and arts classrooms. The book shows that while general strategies for reading informational texts are essential, they are not enough--students also need to learn processing strategies that are quite specific to each subject and its typical tasks or problems. Vignettes from exemplary classrooms illustrate research-based ways to build content-area knowledge while targeting essential reading and writing skills"-- Provided by publisher.

In Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers, science educators Jessica Fries-Gaither and Terry Shiverdecker help teachers blend literacy into elementary science instruction. This unique book will show teachers how to teach science using a variety of nonfiction text sets (such as field guides, reference books, and narrative expository texts) and replace individual lessons with a learning-cycle format (including hands-on investigations, readings, directed discussion, and problem solving). Research-based and teacher-friendly, Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers shows how inquiry can engage your students in reading nonfiction texts, discussing important science concepts, and writing to both develop understanding and share information. Here are some of the book’s special features: • Eight units covering life, physical, Earth, and space science—from “Drip Drop Detectives: Exposing the Water Cycle” to “Classroom Curling: Exploring Forces and Motion” to “Beaks and Biomes: Understanding Adaptation in Migrating Organisms.” Two additional units cover the nature of science. All units have been classroom-tested for effectiveness and align with the National Science Education Standards and the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. • Detailed scientific background, common misconceptions associated with the content, an annotated list of the texts in the text set, safety considerations, reproducible student pages, and suggested assessments. • Authentic, inquiry-based contexts for reading, writing, and discussion through read-alouds, collaborative activities, graphic organizers, and writing prompts. Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers will change the way you think about engaging your students. The authors show that it’s possible to integrate literacy into elementary-level science instruction without sacrificing quality in either area.