All for Science™
An Education Framework for Merging English Language Arts and Science
Currently the All for Science Curriculum units are hosted on allforscience.org
allforscience.org
Authentic Literacy and Language (ALL) for Science is a curriculum framework designed to support students’ learning of the true-to-life language of science and scientists while participating in inquiry-based science activities. The framework is designed to promote both science sense-making and language sense-making through three aligned components, shown in the figure below:
ALL for Science Components:
Introduction / Overview
STEM, Science Learning, and Science Literacy
Early STEM experiences develop students’ interest and knowledge and contribute to later success in science-related careers. Yet many students do not have access to authentic science-learning practices that encourage them to persist in STEM-related coursework or envision themselves in the roles of STEM professionals.
Being able to read, write, listen, and speak using the language of science and the other STEM fields is key to students’ success in these areas for several reasons: (1) language can help students develop their identities as members of the science community; (2) identity development may influence decisions to pursue science-related courses or careers; and (3) students who are effective readers and writers in the context of science may be more likely to persist in science.
All for Science weaves hands-on science learning with English language arts so that students develop skills and habits of mind that reflect how scientists communicate and solve problems in the real world. The units connect science concepts and guided inquiry activities to reading/language arts, as well as mathematics, health, and wellness. Units are appropriate for use during class time or after school.
Teacher's Guide and Curriculum Units
Currently the Authentic Literacy and Language (ALL) for Science Curriculum units are hosted on allforscience.org
Teacher Guide
ALL for Science Overview Guide for Teachers
The Authentic Literacy and Language (ALL) for Science curriculum framework helps students learn to read, write, speak and listen in ways that are authentic to the practice of science.
Lessons
Interdependence among organisms
Recommended for Grade 1
Learners will participate in inquiry-based science activities and observations of an outdoor organism (roly-polies/pill bugs). They will practice in reading, writing, speaking, and thinking like scientists.
Lessons
Animal Life Cycles
Recommended for Grade 2
In this unit, children investigate the life cycles of different animals including the Painted Lady butterfly. Full unit coming soon!
Lessons
Investigating Producers in Ecosystems
Recommended for Grade 3
Learners participate in inquiry-based science activities as they investigate a “mysterious green substance” and research the components of different ecosystems.
Lessons
Plant Adaptations: Past and Present
Recommended for Grade 4
In this unit, children work as paleobotanists investigating four representative plants: mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. Using plants, fossil images, and text investigations.
Lessons
Plant Traits: Inherited and Acquired
Recommended for Grade 4
In this unit, children will explore observable inherited traits of plants in specific environments (desert, forest, etc.) and observable acquired traits that develop as a result of external factors or environmental change.
Lessons
Modeling Matter and Energy Transfer Across Systems
Recommended for Grade 5
How nature processes its’ leftovers to create models for different ways of diverting food waste so that the organic matter and its stored energy can be used. Coming Soon!
Evidence for ALL for Science (White Paper)
In our three-group field test of a single ALL for Science unit, we found that children in classrooms participating in the full ALL for Science framework achieved greater gains than did their peers who participated in only the science inquiry activities. The field test yielded moderate evidence that the ALL for Science framework has the potential to close the opportunity gap that exists for children from communities that are underrepresented in STEM.
Read the white paper for more details: PDF LINK: White Paper 2024
Funding
The Authentic Literacy and Language (ALL) for Science Project is supported by a grant from the Science Education Partnership Program, National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (grant number R25 GM142019). Educational materials produced by the project are free for downloading and use in your classroom.