Science Explanation Writing Tool

Dora Kastel and the team at the American Museum of Natural History have founded a number of professional learning programs and tools related to the Next Generation Science Standards. Among them—a cheatsheet for science teachers looking to integrate literacy strategies into their curriculum and instruction. How about turning that around and also consider offering reading and writing instruction that introduces science terms and concepts in language classes using the Explanation tool to practice writing skills?

Watch the 8.5 m video and download the Explanation Tool for writing. The site allows you to download the tool and a related rubric. Substitute the K-12 students in the video with adults. What do you think? What kind of science context do you think would engage your adult students for a project like this? CLICK HERE to learn more.