ELL Science Adventures
Why we do it: Learning English is . . . complicated
★Grammar
★Vocabulary
★Idioms
★Dialects
★Pronunciation
★Spelling
Why we do it?
Clear Communication
is important!
Science What?
•An experiential science preparatory program developed
for ELLs in 2004 to address science content language and
concepts.
Science Adventures began with a focus on serving 15 grade
7 students
Since that time it has been expanded to include ELLs in
grades 4-10, annually serving over 100 students.
•
•
Why we do it the way we do it?
Why we do it
•Lower anxiety level in this learning environment
•Experience is a great teacher: Value of teaching
English in non-traditional settings
•Socioeconomic challenges related to language
acquisition impact access to learning venues
•Cultural factors
•Gaps in language related to content area performance
Program Overview
General information:
●Summer school course 4 weeks (20 days)
●Offered to incoming 4th grade-10th grade
●Pre-exposure to science curriculum for the
upcoming school year
●Integration of literacy, with extended
opportunities to promote disciplinary literacy in
science
Student recruitment
•Offered to all students receiving ELL services
in grades served by the program
•Teacher/student meetings & policy review
•Parent open house
oRecognize cultural concerns
oProvide parents with the opportunity to develop a level
of comfort with the program
Content
●Units based on upcoming grade level science
curriculum
●Vocabulary aligned with science topics
●Establishing the baseline: pre and post assessments
●Use of informational text
●Hands-on learning
Literacy Integration
Reading
●Fluency
●Vocabulary instruction
●Comprehension instruction
Writing
●Journaling
●Summarization
●Research
Thematic Overview
4th Grade - Motion and Design, Electricity, Plants, Astronomy
5th Grade - Color and Light, Microworlds, Ecosystems, Floating and Sinking
6th Grade - Chemical Interactions, Astronomy, Simple Machines, Forces in Motion
7th Grade -Ecology - Plants and Animals, Organisms, Cell Genetics and Heredity
8th Grade - Earth Science, Astronomy, Meteorology, Oceanography
9th / 10th Grade - Biology Life Science
4th Grade Curriculum
A
C
C
E
L
E
R
A
T
I
O
N
MOTION
AND
DESIGN
Design
PLANTS
Force
ASTRONOMY
Circuits
ENERGY
E
L
E
C
T
R
I
C
I
T
Y
5th Grade Curriculum
MI
C
R
O
W
O
RL
DS
PRODUCERS
ORGANISMS
DECOMPOSERS
CONSUMERS
ECOSYSTEMS
C
O
L
O
R
Floating and Sinking
and
L
I
GH
T
Density
Displacement
Pollution Oil Spill
6th Grade Curriculum
Resistance
Effort
Fulcrum
SIMPLE MACHINES
Motion
CHEMICAL
INTERACTIONS
7th Grade Curriculum
Reproduction
P
L
A
N
T
S
Heredity
Classification
Genetics
Adaptation
Diversity
A
N
I
M
A
L
S
8th Grade Curriculum
Meteorology
Astronomy
Geology
Hydrology
Oceanography
Geological
Time
Environment
Earth’s Internal
Processes
Earth’s Science
9th/10th Grade Curriculum
Limiting Factor
Biology
Ecology
Cells
Sustainability
Population
Adaptations
Biodiversity
LIFE SCIENCE
Carrying
Capacity
O
R
G
A
NI
S
M
S
Special Learning Opportunities
●Directly applying learning to real world situations
●Developing background knowledge to better access
academic content
●Unique experiences that allow them to relate in a similar
fashion to their peers who have had the experiences
●Increase self-confidence in academic and social settings
On the road again: Field Trips
4th grade: Community Garden, Barnes and Noble
5th grade:
Sea Life Sleepover at Mall of America
6th grade: Chemical Interactions at Energy Incinerator
7th grade:
Eagle Bluff Environmental Center
(5 days, 4 nights)
8th grade: Earth Science-Black Hills/Badlands
9th/10th: Yellowstone and Physics at Valley Fair
River
Ecosystems
USGS
Mississippi River
Sea Life
Student Testimonials
Student Testimonials
Pictures from Eagle
Bluff Environmental
Learning Center in
Lanesboro, Minnesota.
Yellowstone
The Next Great Adventure Is Just Over The Horizon