Reading Comprehension and Strategies for Science

Reading is a complex act for humans. It is a visual process that begins with ones ability to use ones vision to interpret graphic symbols. Reading requires great visual acuity. The essence of reading comprehension is to be able to cognitively process the words by drawing meaning from your own experiences and knowledge. Comprehension strategies best serve students when they are employed across the curricula and in the context of their actual learning. The goal of literacy in science is to develop in students a curiosity about the world around them. The study of science should help students make better sense of the world in which they live. In order for this to occur, students must learn how to question their knowledge, methodology, skills, values, and attitude toward the world around them. In this course, teachers will learn to fully engage students with the scientific world and make them active participants in their learning. Too often, the science textbook is used in a passive manner of learning. Participants will learn to make science more engaging through before reading, during reading, and post reading activities that develop vocabulary, build prior knowledge, activate and scaffold science. A plethora of graphic organizers will be given. A must for K-12 teachers of reading and science!

ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only