The Science and Communication Program:
A Literacy-Based Approach to Science Education
by Anika Ragins and Lydia Hoag

At the Laboratory for Student Success (LSS) at Temple University, scientists and language specialists have designed a science curriculum that increases students’ science content knowledge while enhancing literacy skills. The Science and Communication Curriculum Reform Project (SCCRP) encourages science learning through a systematic approach to literacy development. This national standards-based comprehensive elementary science curriculum has evolved over ten years of research and implementation at more than thirty urban and rural elementary schools across the country. The first component of SCCRP is the Head Start on Science and Communication (HSSC) Program. The HSSC is designed for early childhood classrooms, from pre-K to second grade. The second component of the SCCRP is the Science and Communication Program (SCP). The SCP is geared towards 3rd to 5th grade classrooms. Both programs operate under the premise that science is play for students; therefore, teachers need to make learning fun.

Teachers from East Camden Middle School and Woodbine Elementary School attended the Science and Communication Summer Institute held on August 13–15, 2003 at Temple University. During the institute, teachers learned more about the program and current research that supports the need for a strong science curriculum. Teachers also reviewed two modules, Quasar and Solara Moon: Exploring the Solar System and Gidget’s Journey: Exploring the Human Body. These modules, which are aligned with New Jersey state science standards, are designed to help teachers integrate science and literacy in their classrooms. Teachers read the modules, discussed how to best use them in the classroom, and brainstormed improvements for the lessons.

The highlight of the institute was an excursion to the Franklin Science Institute. Teachers spent the afternoon scouring the museum for answers to a 52-question scavenger hunt. The goal of the trip was to introduce the teachers to the museum and enhance their knowledge of the exhibits. This information could then be integrated into their own class field trips. After visiting the Franklin Science Institute, teachers were asked to construct a lesson that would involve a trip to the museum. Some of the resulting plans involved lessons on the pendulum, Benjamin Franklin, the human heart, the solar system, and the museum itself.

Both Woodbine Elementary and East Camden Middle will be collaborating with LSS in the fall to implement the Science and Communication Program in their schools. They also hope to partner together for various projects, including a pen pal program.