Teaching Science to English Language Learner (ELL) Students

[Gabriela Gonzalez]

Hola everyone! I was wondering if anyone knows about resources of how to teach Science to English Learner students. I will be teaching Biology 10-11 starting in the Fall 2012. I should expect students with different levels of English proficiency. Also the school has students that speak more than 19 different languages. I will appreciate any help! =)

[Ryan Goble]

Hi Gabriela, I would use a lot of still and moving images - have you seen these "MC POP Classics" (lol)...

  On comics & science:
•COMIC SCIENCE
•COMICS: Yes, More Comic Science

On teaching Science Fact through science Fiction Films:
#1.
TEACHING: SCIENCE, ART OR CRAFT?
#2.
LITERACY, SCIENCE & THE 4Ss
#3.
VIEWING STRATEGIES: A CASE STUDY

[R. Randall]

I am going to give a survey to my ELL (ESL) Physics 9 students in a week or so and ask them what I might change next year.  If I remember in the chaos of graduation, I will post any useful responses. 

Having lists of useful vocab is a must, but diagrams and place where they can "show" their ideas as well as use words has been a help.  Discussion is tough though.  The kids did a great job when they made a video to show their idea.  I wish I could post it but most of the kids used music they don't have the rights to, so YouTube won't host them.  There are probably other places to post though, if someone is interested. 

[Joan Axthelm]

Hi there -

I agree with Ryan - having visuals and ways for students to express what they know visually is big for ELL's, especially basic level folks.  Manipulatives and hands on is also really important. I don't know how much training or experience you have had with teaching ELL's, but if you want more info, I would recommend Marzano's Classroom Instruction that Works for ELLs.  It has the big points, it isn't too long, and it can really help you think about how to accommodate for ELL's of all levels and what to expect in terms of language performance from all levels.

A few sites that might be good:

A blog post on FoldIt, a game about amino acids and how they fold (also part of a research project, so playing contributes).

Larry Ferlazzo has tons of resources that always are great. I  recommended doing a few searches through his site. Here is one on Animal Resources.

If there is anything in particular you are interested in finding a visual or manipulative for, let me know and I might be able to find it for you. There are tons of resources out there!

Best of luck,

Joan

[Joan Axthelm]

I found this and thought of this string:

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/cells/insideacell/