The twenty-first century has brought with it considerable buzz surrounding the connections between science and literacy. Karen Worth and her colleagues have been at the center of this discussion for more than a decade, and they share their very practical ideas and insights in the book you hold in your hand. Lori Fulton Author of Science Notebooks: Writing About Inquiry

The voice of real teachers is loud and clear the centerpiece of this very readable and profoundly helpful book. It will be extraordinarily helpful for anyone interested in using writing and talk to enhance the learning in a classroom where students have a direct experience with science as inquiry. Harold Pratt Past NSTA president

The case for cross-disciplinary collaboration is supported by moving testimonials from classroom teachers who joined the authors in their quest for a deeper understanding of the science-literacy connection. A must read for teachers in either domain.
Peter Dow Author of Outdoor Inquiries: Taking Science Investigations Outside the Classroom

Essentials of Science and Literacy provides classroom teachers with a wealth of classroom tested and research-based best practices designed to engage students. It addresses one of the major shortcomings in many classrooms, providing students with the time and opportunity to make sense and to communicate their understanding of the science investigation they are engaged in.
Mike Klentschy Author of Scaffolding Science Inquiry Through Lesson Design

Karen Worth and her colleagues understand the link between science and literacy connection. Their book is filled with both practical strategies and thought-provoking ideas that invite you to explore how the literacy teaching you may already be doing can be used in science instruction to the benefit of learning and thinking in both domains.
This highly readable and profoundly insightful book has three straightforward sections:
Essentials, from the nature of scientific inquiry to the importance of teacher questions
Talk, from creating a culture of talk to gathering ideas and making meaning
Writing, from the anatomy of science notebooks to their implementation and to writing beyond the notebook.
A study guide is also included, making Essentials of Science and Literacy ideal for book study with your PLC or preservice teachers.
Let Essentials of Science and Literacy inspire you to see the natural fit between your inquiry science teaching and your balanced literacy instruction....

Based on the growing understanding that even the littlest learners are powerful thinkers and theory makers, this book identifies important science inquiry skills and concepts appropriate for the very young....

There is a need to challenge students to think and talk and write about science as well as read about it and do it. Developing students knowledge of science and their knowledge of literacy must be brought together in our schools and teachers need to learn effective ways to do this."

Integrating science and literacy instruction has often meant having students read about science. But Karen Worth and her colleagues know that we improve both science and literacy achievement with integrated instruction that goes far beyond science reading. They know that understanding science means being able to think, talk, and write effectively about science. Science and Literacy is the professional development program that makes it happen.
Professional development leaders will find what they need to help teachers understand and use the many connections between balanced literacy instruction and experiential science. Organized around eight complete modules, the comprehensive Guide shows how to make talk and writing essential tools in science inquiry. The eight modules cover:
Foundations, from the nature of scientific inquiry to the importance of teacher questions (modules 1 and 2)
Classroom talk, from creating a culture of talk to gathering ideas and making meaning (modules 3, 4, and 5)
Writing, from the anatomy of science notebooks to their implementation and to writing beyond the notebook (modules 6-8).
Each one includes an overview of the key content, an outline of the preparation and materials needed, step-by-step session directions including how to use the DVD materials. There is also ample guidance for customizing the program to meet your needs.
The DVD includes:
Classroom videos with transcripts and notes
Handouts, take-home packets, and mini-lessons
Student samples
Participant readings
A bibliography for further readings
Facilitator slides.

Science and Literacy is the guidebook to strengthen science knowledge as it develops authentic literacy skills.
Just as science writing and reading can be done as part of literacy instruction, students literacy skills can be reinforced in the authentic context of inquiry-based science. The relationship is a reciprocal one, enriching students learning and skill development in both domains."...