Learn about science + literacy  from experts in the field (your peers!) at NSTA’s Conference on Science Education in Denver, CO, December 12–14.  We’ll be offering content sessions developed for all levels and a featured presentation on Friday, December 13, 9:30–10:30 a.m. (“Play and Science Running Together”) by Kenneth Wesson (Educational Consultant, Neuroscience: San Jose, CA). A sampling of sessions highlighting science + literacy is below:
Science + Literacy = Student Achievement
Thursday, December 12 8:00–9:00 AM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-4F
Learn some literacy and vocabulary strategies to strengthen your students’ literacy skills while doing learning or any content area.
Story Time from Space—Integrating STEM and Literacy
Thursday, December 12 8:00–9:00 AM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-4B
Astronaut Alvin Drew will share his experience reading story books to children of Earth from space. Learn how to use these readings and curriculum support materials.
“FOSStering” the Common Core State Standards, ELA: Science-Centered Language Development
Thursday, December 12 8:00–9:15 AM
Colorado Convention Center, 303
Discover the ways language is used to help elementary students make sense of their active learning FOSS experiences. We will model a FOSS investigation using listening and speaking, reading and writing, and language-development strategies to further content knowledge, scientific practices, and academic literacy.
33 Strategies for Integrating Disciplinary Literacy
Thursday, December 12 8:00–9:15 AM
Colorado Convention Center, 401
Discover how to increase reading comprehension, disciplinary literacy skills, and science knowledge simultaneously for ALL students. Take away 33 ready-to-use strategies for incorporating science trade books into your classroom. Learn integration strategies that provide a better way to teach both science and literacy. Free classroom materials!

Science, the Literacy Connection, and the Common Core State Standards, ELA
Thursday, December 12 10:00–11:15 AM
Colorado Convention Center, 302
Learn how your students can experience the enjoyment of learning science using Delta Science Modules and make the literacy connection to the CCSS ELA with Delta Science literacy resources. Receive a workshop packet containing CCSS strategy templates and other related Delta literacy materials.
Get Results with Science and Literacy Integration: Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading®
Thursday, December 12 10:00–11:15 AM
Colorado Convention Center, 401
Investigate Models of Matter with the Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading® unit!  Experience next generation science practices, using content-rich science books, scientific discourse, and writing activities. Together these provide rich and varied opportunities to learn core science ideas and vocabulary. Effectiveness data will be shared as well as free samples.
Collaborative Structures to Support Scientific Literacy
Thursday, December 12 12:30–1:30 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-4F
Take home simple collaborative structures that can enhance scientific literacy and inquiry in your classroom tomorrow!
Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN): Instructional Resources for Science Educators
Thursday, December 12 12:30–1:30 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-4E
The CLEAN collection includes lessons and other educational resources developed by a wide variety of authors that have been vetted by teachers and scientists.
Unleashing Your Students’ Inner Inventor—Robots, Video Games, and DIY!
Thursday, December 12 12:30–1:45 PM
Colorado Convention Center, 406
In this workshop, we’ll use the wildly popular Arduino computer platform to explore creative project-based learning though programming and 21st-century digital literacy. This workshop assumes no previous experience.
33 Strategies for Integrating Disciplinary Literacy
Thursday, December 12 12:30–1:45 PM
Colorado Convention Center, 401
Discover how to increase reading comprehension, disciplinary literacy skills, and science knowledge simultaneously for ALL students. Take away 33 ready-to-use strategies for incorporating science trade books into your classroom. Learn integration strategies that provide a better way to teach both science and literacy. Free classroom materials!
Content + Literacy = Common Core Success
Thursday, December 12 2:00–3:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-1C
Appropriate-leveled excerpts from life, Earth, and physical science books will be used to demonstrate how to teach the Common Core State Standards, ELA while teaching science.
Using Literacy to Promote the Understanding of Mathematics for PreK–8 Learners
Thursday, December 12 2:00–3:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-2A
For centuries, there has been a perceived connection between science and the arts, including literature. This connection is now being introduced to children as part of an effective curriculum that includes subject integration. Over the past two decades, educators have turned more attention toward integrated curricula, particularly the introduction of literature into science instruction.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: Teaching Scientific Visual Literacy
Thursday, December 12 2:00–3:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, 108/110
Is a picture really worth a thousand words? Find out as you construct 3-D graphic organizers to help your “eye generation” students become visually literate.
Unleashing Your Students’ Inner Inventor—Robots, Video Games, and DIY!
Thursday, December 12 2:15–3:30 PM
Colorado Convention Center, 406
In this workshop, we’ll use the wildly popular Arduino computer platform to explore creative project-based learning though programming and 21st-century digital literacy. This workshop assumes no previous experience.
The Best of Both Worlds: How to Engage Students in NGSS Practices Through Science and Life
Thursday, December 12 2:15–3:30 PM
Colorado Convention Center, 401
Explore an instructional approach that capitalizes on the synergies between science and literacy. The integrated units from Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading® are designed to help students learn and express essential science concepts while developing a set of cognitive skills that are generative and transferable across disciplines.
Science as a Playground for Literacy!
Thursday, December 12 3:30–4:30 PM
Colorado Convention Center, 108/110
Science as a playground for literacy—it’s an idea that runs through my work. I believe it is why the Common Core State Standards cite some of my books as exemplary nonfiction. So, my presentation will focus on science as an exciting playground for literate learners.
Incorporating the Common Core State Standards, ELA for Reading and Writing into Introductory Chemistry
Thursday, December 12 3:30–4:30 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-1B
Key science-related components of the CCSS will be discussed and participants will see how literacy skills can be incorporated into existing activities within the chemistry curriculum.
Nuestra Tierra Dinámica
Thursday, December 12 5:00–6:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-4B
CLACE (Centro LatinoAmericano Para Las Artes, Ciencia y Edución) is a Latin-American Center for Arts, Science, and Education. In 2011 with NASA funding and resources, CLACE/OpEPA founded Nuestra Tierra Dinámica (NTD), focusing on K–12 Latino youth. We raise global climate change/Earth system literacy through culturally relevant, inquiry-based, hands-on activities and digital storytelling. Our aim is to provide high-quality STEM education as well as to build bilingual literacy skills.
Cutting Across the Curriculum: Examining Lessons That Integrate Science, Literacy, and Mathematics
Thursday, December 12 5:00–6:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-3B
Join us as we model lessons that integrate literacy strategies, mathematical concepts, and science concepts as well as provide an overview of research and connections to Common Core State Standards.
Develop Your Own STEM Center in Your Elementary Classroom
Thursday, December 12 5:00–6:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-3C
Learn how you can transform your classroom into a STEM learning center in which students become excited to learn. You will gain insights on how this model is used to support a literacy-based STEAM program (LSTEAM).
Let the iPad Tell a Science (Digital) Story!
Friday, December 13 8:00–9:00 AM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-4D
Find out how to use the iPad for crafting science digital stories with popular video-editing apps while promoting science writing and visual literacy skills. Samples, live demonstration, and resources provided.
Bringing Science to Life! Using Invertebrates to Enhance Classroom Teaching
Friday, December 13 8:00–9:00 AM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-3B
Bring your curriculum to life with the Butterfly Pavilion as we discover how to use classroom animals as a teaching tool! Enhance life science, literacy, inquiry, and 21st-century skills in your classroom.
Experience the Power of a Digital Middle School Program
Friday, December 13 8:00–9:15 AM
Colorado Convention Center, 402
Experience the power of digital with differentiated levels of rich content from National Geographic. eScience3000 is tightly aligned to CCSS, NGSS, and STEM initiatives. See how science, literacy, and real-life experiences come together in this engaging middle school resource.
Unleashing Your Students’ Inner Inventor—Robots, Video Games, and DIY!
Friday, December 13 8:00–9:15 AM
Colorado Convention Center, 406
In this workshop, we’ll use the wildly popular Arduino micro-controller platform to explore creative project-based learning though programming and 21st-century digital literacy. This workshop assumes no previous experience.
Ocean Classrooms—Inspiring New Depths
Friday, December 13 8:00–9:15 AM
Colorado Convention Center, 109
Ocean Classrooms is a movement into the future—where education, fascination, and conservation all happen in one interconnected experience. Our core belief is in immersive educational experiences that promote ocean literacy and awareness. We will highlight our online courses and innovative research technologies, including our LIVE underwater video cameras.
Max Goes to Space: Science Adventures Read from Orbit
Friday, December 13 9:30–10:30 AM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-2B
This winter, author Jeffrey Bennett’s books for children will be read from the International Space Station. Learn how to integrate this program into your class.
Unleashing Your Students’ Inner Inventor—Robots, Video Games, and DIY!
Friday, December 13 10:00–11:15 AM
Colorado Convention Center, 406
In this workshop, we’ll use the wildly popular Arduino micro-controller platform to explore creative project-based learning though programming and 21st-century digital literacy. This workshop assumes no previous experience.
Make-and-Take: Science, Literacy, and Math
Friday, December 13 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-3B
Foster new ideas to engage learners with integrated science activities that you make on-site and then take back to the classroom. Resources and standards and literacy/math connections provided with materials.
Powerful Strategies to Accelerate the Acquisition and Retention of Science Vocabulary
Friday, December 13 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-4D
Encounter new research-based techniques that can turn mundane vocabulary assignments into a multisensory experience, in which students hear, see, and use new vocabulary words. Tap into the power of music, technology, and imagery to enhance science literacy.
Integrating Science and Literacy
Friday, December 13 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, 108/110
Join me and watch video of Denver Public School elementary students integrating science and literacy using CER (Claims, Evidence, Reasoning) pedagogy developed by McNeill and Krajcik.
Using Reading and Writing as a Tool in Science Instruction
Friday, December 13 12:30–1:30 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-1C
This strategy-filled presentation will arm participants with many applications for teaching science and literacy simultaneously. Receive materials, handouts, and ideas to take home for immediate classroom implementation.
Science Plus Literacy—Blended and Seamless
Friday, December 13 2:00–3:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, 108/110
Inspire middle school literacy! Blended lessons to engage students in science topics while supporting CCSS ELA are free at pbslearningmedia.org. Raffle!
Engaging Students, Developing Science Knowledge and Conceptual Understanding, and Teaching Science Literacy Skills with Quality Nonfiction Science Books
Friday, December 13 2:00–3:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-1F
Discover the advantages of using science trade books to build science knowledge, to teach science literacy skills, and to provide a platform for investigations. Emphasis will be placed on literacy strategies that help students read science text and communicate what they have learned. Outstanding science trade books will be showcased. Handouts!
Metadisciplinarity, Science Literacy, and General Education
Friday, December 13 2:00–3:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-4C
This short course extends our workshop provided at AACU’s STEM Conference in 2012 and focuses on designing, implementing, and assessing science literacy in general education curricula.
NSTA Press® Session: Uncovering Elementary Students Ideas in Science
Friday, December 13 2:00–3:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, 505
Discover how formative assessment probes and techniques uncover K–5 students’ ideas while fostering language literacy.
Literacy in Science Grades 6–8: Integrating Science Reading Strategies with the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards
Friday, December 13 3:30–4:30 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-3B
Come learn how to effectively implement reading strategies that strengthen content knowledge and model research-based best practices to improve literacy among middle school students.
Making the Interdisciplinary Connection Between Science, Literacy, and Math
Saturday, December 14 8:00–9:00 AM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-4D
Participants will have a common understanding of literacy development and its importance in students’ ability to demonstrate proficiency using hands-on activities and technology.
Using Pollen Analysis to Address the NGSS and Literacy
Saturday, December 14 9:30–10:30 AM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-4D
Increase student interest in math, science, literacy, and technology…and address the NGSS. Discover how pollen solves crimes and can be collected, stored, stained, examined, and photographed. Free resources!
Engaging Children in Scientific Explanation: Connecting Science and Literacy Using a “Question-Claim-Evidence-Reason” Framework
Saturday, December 14 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-3B
Enliven your classroom with lessons conducted with children using the “Question-Claim-Evidence-Reason” framework to explain visual representations data during the exploration and inquiry learning cycle.
Using Stories to Teach Science
Saturday, December 14 11:30 AM–12:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, MHB-1B
The Common Core State Standards recommend teaching literacy across the curriculum. For science teachers, developing scientific literacy and enhancing basic literacy can be accomplished by integrating science stories into instructions, which can stimulate students’ interest in the science behind everyday life and increase their scientific knowledge. ChemMatters, a magazine for high schoolers by the American Chemical Society, provides many free resources to support scientific literacy and promote inquiry.
Want more? Check out more than 400 sessions and other events with the Denver Session Browser/Personal Scheduler at http://www.nsta.org/conferences/area3.aspx.