December 9 “Inquiring into Literacy” Inservice

A Toyota Tapestry Grant Project

On December 9, seventeen teachers of science came together to learn more about incorporating science tradebooks into their science curriculum. Science tradebooks are non-fiction, high interest books that spark student curiosity and complement specific parts of a science unit. For instance, students in fifth grade use the Early Bird Physics Series by S. Walker and R. Feldmann to learn about simple machines such as pulleys, levers, and gears. Students are encouraged to develop inquiry investigations by seeking answers to their own questions with regards to simple machines. Teachers utilize specific literacy strategies with their students, using the science non-fiction tradebooks as the vehicle for helping their students become better readers. Forks Middle School and Forks Elementary School are participating in a special Toyota Tapestry Grant, which has allowed them to train 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade teachers in proven literacy strategies and inquiry-based science instruction. Sherry Schaaf, district Science Coordinator, works with teachers and supports them in their efforts to teach science in an inquiry-based manner. Patti Fouts and Dave McIrvin, middle school teachers, are the literacy instructors, providing the key component in connecting reading literacy with science instruction. This grant has allowed the teachers to seek out and purchase quality books to enhance the education of students in their classrooms. For more information, contact Sherry Schaaf at sschaaf@mail.wavcc.org.

Teachers practice how to do simple machine activities.

Proficient learners construct meaning from their reading...

If you are going to have your students do it, you need to know how to do it yourself!

	Grade levels worked together to write out plans on utilizing the literacy strategies they have been trained in while using science tradebooks. Instruction was also given and then practiced on what makes a true, inquiry-based science lesson.
Patti Fouts and Dave McIrvin instruct on effective reading strategies teachers can use when using science tradebooks.

For further information contact Sherry Schaaf at sschaaf@mail.wavcc.org
This is a Toyota Tapestry Grant project.

January, 2004