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April
16 , 2003
Educators from 17 elementary schools throughout the Archdiocese attended a recent In-Service Workshop on using reading and writing to enhance science learning. Presented by textbook publisher MacMillan McGraw-Hill, the workshop was held at the Archdiocesan Center in Newark. On hand were 35 teachers. Educational Consultant Arlene Dennis focused her presentation on integrating reading and writing in the content area of science. Using the inquiry based model of science teaching, the workshop utilized the five “Es” of the inquiry model to foster science literacy. Those five Es are engage, explore, explain, extend and evaluate. The science teachers were introduced to a variety of hands-son experienced that could be used in their classrooms, such as using a balloon to demonstrate static electricity. Dennis compared the stages of inquiry with the skills needed for reading, writing, listening and speaking. Sister Louise Cababe, OP, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Testing, noted, “In Catholic schools not only do we strive for academic excellence in all subject areas, we also encourage integration across the area. Most importantly, we integrate religion into each subject.” During the workshop each participant was given a puppet. Using “TuTu,” the Panda, “Toco” the Tucan or “Kifna,” the Rhinoceros, teachers were shown how to introduce a science lesson about endangered species. The teachers also had the opportunity to share methods of integrating Catholic social teachings and Gospel values into their lessons. Reaction to the workshop was enthusiastic. Said one teacher, “The workshop provided a better understanding of incorporating language arts with science…. I enjoyed the strategies and methods.” From another participant came the feeling it was “a constructive workshop with many ideas for extending a lesson. The technology sources from websites were helpful. When I return to my students, I will use some of the graphic organizers and the many uses across the curriculum.” And finally, it was noted that “the presenter did an excellent job. Some of her ideas are very practical and easy to use in the classroom. I really enjoyed the hands-on activities and the way they were explained.” Michael Burns, a sales representative of MacMillan-McGraw Hill, cooperated with the Archdiocesan School Office in sponsoring the workshop.
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