Project SPELL:Sustainable Practices for English Language LearnersApril 6, 2014 Conference

Supporting ELLs in NGSS Practices: Scientific Discourse and Argumentation

Adele Schepige, WOU

Supporting ELLs in NGSS Practices: Scientific Discourse and Argumentation• The Next Generation Science Standards place emphasis on scientific

discourse and argumentation for K-12 student learning. Scientific argumentation is one of the eight NGSS scientific practices. This means ELLs will need to use higher level thinking and scientific language in making claims, providing evidence and making connections between the two or explaining that there are no connections between them. Participants will take part in and deconstruct a science activity that uses strategies supportive of ELLs that also support scientific argumentation and discourse.

Next Generation Science Standards

• Adopted in Oregon in March, 2014• Phased in over four years

NGSS: Science and Engineering Practices1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 2. Developing and using models 3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data

• 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking • 6. Constructing explanations (for

science) and designing solutions (for engineering) • 7. Engaging in argument from

evidence • 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and

communicating information

7. Engaging in argument from evidence

Argumentation is a process for reaching agreements about explanations and design solutions. In science, reasoning and argument based on evidence are essential in identifying the best explanation for a natural phenomenon. In engineering, reasoning and argument are needed to identify the best solution to a design problem. (NGSS, p 13)

7. Engaging in argument from evidenceStudents are expected to use argumentation to listen to, compare, and evaluate competing ideas and methods based on their merits. (NGSS, p 13)

7. Engaging in argument from evidence

• http://www.bozemanscience.com/ngs-engaging-in-argument-from-evidence

Stop at 7:05 minutes

What is argumentation in science?

• Voice opinions based on evidence• Negotiate meaning• Link questions, claims evidence and rebuttals or contradictions• Working with beginning and unsettled knowledge • Use of reasoning• Note: Argumentation is not arguing

Time to experience science argumentation!• Four stations sampler- timed. The stations are: Defending Predictions, Claims cards, Pause and Reflect, and Negotiating a Concept Map

•Must stay at the station until it is time to move.• You can go to stations in any order.• Each station has a set of instructions. • Reflection on language after completing each one.

Stations debrief

• What happened?• How did it happen?• What kind of science language did you hear?

Back to Bozeman…..

• http://www.bozemanscience.com/ngs-engaging-in-argument-from-evidence• From 7:05 to end – argumentation in science education

Purpose of argumentation

• Show how data support a claim• Identify possible weaknesses in someone’s scientific arguments• Identify flaws in your own arguments• Improve arguments in response to criticism• Lead to explanation• Lead to Peer review: presentation at scientific conferences and

publishing in peer reviewed journals

Supporting ELLs in argumentation

• Academic vocabulary• Speaking•Writing• Practice in informal setting

Sentence frames for argumentation

Ross, D., Fisher, D., & Frey, N. (2009). The Art of Argumentation. Science And Children, 47(3), 28-31.

• Which ones from the list did you naturally use during the stations?• What sentence (language) frames can you add to the list based on

what you heard at the stations?• Others you can think of to add?

Resources

• Science and Children• Carrier, K. A. (2005). Supporting Science Learning through Science

Literacy Objectives for English Language Learners. Science Activities, 42(2), 5.• Donnelly, W., & Roe, C. J. (2010). Using Sentence Frames to Develop

Academic Vocabulary for English Learners. Reading Teacher, 64(2), 131-136. doi:10.1598/RT.64.2.5

Thank you for your interest and participation today!