Building a Bridge
Between Science and Writing
PSTA Conference
2018
Emily Kissner
elkissn@gmail.com
@ELKissner
emilykissner.blogspot.com
About Me
About You
The importance of science writing
“Building a theory or a model that explains the natural world requires close attention to how to weave together evidence from multiple sources. With a focus on clearly communicating complex ideas and information by critically choosing, arranging, and analyzing information, Writing Standard 2 requires students to develop theories with the end goal of explanation in mind.”
-NGSS, Appendix M
The importance of science writing
“Building a theory or a model that explains the natural world requires close attention to how to weave together evidence from multiple sources. With a focus on clearly communicating complex ideas and information by critically choosing, arranging, and analyzing information, Writing Standard 2 requires students to develop theories with the end goal of explanation in mind.”
-NGSS, Appendix M
Key ideas: Critically choosing, arranging, and analyzing information
The challenges of science writing
What makes great science writing?
Knowledge Telling
Bereiter and Scardemalia, 1987
Knowledge Transforming
Bereiter and Scardemalia, 1987
Different writers, different needs
Knowledge Telling
Knowledge Transforming
Building trust
Writers are more likely to move to a knowledge-transforming viewpoint if they have many opportunities for low-risk writing.
Low risk science writing
Science notebook
Low risk science writing
Classroom signs
Low risk science writing
Observation
books
Low risk science writing
Diagrams and drawings
Low risk science writing
Sentence starters
Formal writing
Synthesis paragraphs
Are the tadpoles wood frogs?
Formal writing
Synthesis paragraphs
Formal writing
Synthesis paragraphs
Argumentative essays
I took a water cycle model activity and turned it into an opportunity for students to make a claim and support it with evidence.
Argumentative essays
Argumentative essays
Argumentative essays
Lab reports
Students conducted scientific tests of UV beads and sunscreen. Then, they wrote reports to share their conclusions.
Lab reports
In Google Classroom, I made a template of the parts of a lab report to share with students.
Lab reports
This was an approachable writing task for students, and led to lively conversations.
Field study reports
As part of our study of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, we visited Mountain Creek and conducted stream studies.
Field study reports
Writing frames ensure access for all students
Field study reports
A spelling reference sheet is also handy
Field study reports
Field study reports
Assessment
Use the writing teacher truism: Students should write more than you can grade.
Assessment
Google Classroom makes commenting on student writing quick and easy.
Assessment
Assessment
In early drafts, try to keep comments focused on IDEAS and CONTENT rather than editing.
Assessment
Using rubrics helps to keep everyone aware of what criteria you are looking for
Assessment
Put criteria down the left column
Use an even number of score points so that you can sort “stronger than weak” vs “weaker than strong”
Assessment
Choose what you feel comfortable assessing! You can always say that you will only be assessing for two areas...what’s important is to provide lots of opportunity for student writing.
Questions and comments
Evaluation link