Who doesn’t need more time? There are many ways to integrate science and writing. Obviously, read and answer questions. OK, describe how to do an experiment and write an analysis of the results.
Sure, but can science be used to encourage reluctant writers? You bet it can! I’ve had more than one student tell me they’re working to be better at math and writing because that’s what scientists do. Some students respond when there’s a reason to write clearly and solve math problems correctly.
Here’s a few suggestions for integrating writing and science:
- Writing Clear Directions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich – I loved this activity and so did my kids, note: I used sturdy crackers not slices of bread
- YouTube Video explaining how to make the sandwich – students can critique her suggestions, like “How do we stick the bread together?”
- Writing Across the Curriculum – Michigan Department of Education Each resource is broken down into “What does it do?”, “How to Implement?”, and examples.
- Creative Writing in Science Class – suggestion from Anthony Cody, a middle school teacher who is now a teaching coach
- It’s fun to add poetry from familiar poets like Shel Silverstein or Jack Prelutsky. I’ll share suggestions for poems to add to your science units, including: chemistry, energy, motion, weather, astronomy, frogs, birds, bugs, and the five senses in future posts.
How do you integrate science and writing?