Goal

STEM Education is a popular topic in education today. However, there are many definitions and ways of implementing STEM in schools and classrooms.

I am the STEM Specialist at Benton STEM Elementary in Columbia, MO. We are currently in our third year as a STEM Elementary school. Over the course of these three years, I have grown as an educator and as a STEM coach. My goal for this blog is to share the insights and knowledge I have gained over the last three years with the hopes it helps other educators develop their own understanding of STEM Education.

I welcome any questions or comments you might have about my school, job, or posts. Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments on this blog.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Writing in Math and Science

This post actually came from an earlier blog of mine.  I am in the process of integrating that professional development blog into this new blog on STEM Education.

Reading and writing are tools students can use to better understand math and science concepts.  Using children's literature texts as a way to introduce math/science concepts and vocabulary is one way to do this. 

Writing in Math through Notebooks
Another great way to integrate more literacy is through the use of math notebooks.  Here are a few great resources you can use when beginning to use math notebooks.


Mathwire.com Suggestions

FAQ about Math Journals

Integrating Science Notebooks
One way to get students writing during science time is through the use of science notebooks.  Now, it is more than just asking students to draw pictures or write sentences about what they are doing.  Successful science notebooks happen when the students are engaged in authentic, purposeful writing experiences.  Students begin to understand they use their journals just as scientists would in the field:  as a place to record ideas, test predictions, and draw detailed sketches.

Here is a handout describing science notebooks  Click Here

Here are some sample rubrics you can use to assess science notebooks Click Here
Here are some examples of science notebook structures Click Here

Related Readings on integrating literacy and science:

Winokur, J., Worth, K., & Heller-Winokur, M. (2009). Connecting science and literacy through talk. Science and Children, 47(3), 46-49.
Zales, C. R., & Unger, C. S. (2008). The science and literacy framework. Science and Children, 46(3), 42-45.
Van Meeteren, B. D., & Escalada, L. T. (2010). Science and literacy centers. Science and Children, 47(7), 74-78.

Related Readings on math journals:
Hellwig, S. J., Monroe, E. E., & Jacobs, J. S., (2000). Making informed choices. Selecting children's trade books for mathematics instruction. Teaching Children Mathematics, 7(3), 138-143.

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