Carmen Martínez, Ph.D.University of Texas at San Antonio

Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

• This presentation highlights ways to teach middle school students about chemical reactions using TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) standards such as the periodic table, chemical changes, and physical changes.

• Teaching strategies utilized in this session include journaling, note taking, concept maps, the 5E Model, and a lab experiment.

Transformative Education (Ada and Campoy, 2004)

Basic tenets◦ All humans carry knowledge◦ We must collaborate (Co-construct knowledge)◦ “Language is one of the strongest elements in our

self-definition…one of the most significant elements of culture” (p. 13)

“Transformative Education recognizes the importance of voice, the need for education to foster the critical consciousness that leads to speaking one’s personal and social truth. Voice takes special force when words are not only spoken but written” (Ada and Campoy, 2004, p. 14)

Sociocultural Theory (Pérez, 2004, p. 27):◦ Children acquire literacy within their native

language and culture◦ Background knowledge plays a significant role in

meaning making◦ Becoming literate in a second language requires

time, from 5 to 7 years, depending on various factors

◦ Reading and writing are embedded in and inextricable from discourses (social practices)

Students report strong parental support in reaching their goals

Students could identify at least one teacher in high school that had/held “high expectations” about them

Students also identified one teacher offered “mentoring” college or career goals

Students view graduating from high school and going to college as a way to help their family and others

Students see themselves as a role model for others in their pursuit of higher education

Students indicate they hold “intrinsic motivation” (learning commitment, conceptualization, and tenacity)

Students plan on applying and attending college

Curriculum in certain high school classes is not challenging

High school classes should be more kinesthetic-“hands on”

High school classes should offer the ability to work in pairs or groups more often

Counselors are not helpful in providing information about college

Information about higher education is offered during school hours only; difficult for parents to attend because parents work

One student reported bullying in middle school

TAKS testing

• Engagement-Capitalizes on students’ prior knowledge and experience

• Exploration-Kinesthetic activities, “hands-on” learning

• Explanation-Teacher illuminates concepts, students begin explaining concept

• Elaboration-Students apply new concepts• Evaluation-Activities that help “assess”

acquired knowledge

Journaling-to engage students in the writing process, use a variety of “hooks” to capture attention

Some strategies include:◦ Music (current or past songs that creatively link

content)◦ Videos related to science concept explored

(YouTube, Teacher Tube, Scholastic Study Jams)◦ http://studyjams.scholastic.com◦ Images (real world pictures)◦ Problem posing questions that elicit prior

knowledge

Pretend you are a scientist, write a story about your best science class/experiment.

How have developments in technology over the past 100 years affected science (chemistry)?

What tools/instruments would a chemist use to test a chemical change?

Describe how the periodic table may be related to social studies, math, and language arts.

• Activity: Investigating chemical reactions• Objective: In this activity, students will be

able to create and observe a chemical reactions.

• TEKS covered:– 6th grade: 112.18 (b) (5) D-identify the formation

of a new substance (gas)– 7th grade: 112.19 (b) (6) A-identify compounds-

oxygen– 8th grade: 112.20 (b) (5) E-investigate evidence of

chemical reactions

Sources for notes:◦ Relevant science videos (PBS, Discovery, Amazon)◦ Guest speakers◦ Teacher created power points

Note-taking using graphic organizers

Allows students to use their “cultural capital”

New Literacies (New London Group) argue that literacy encompasses: “digital literacies; online, messaging, gaming, and social networking”

Students apply new knowledge◦ Facebook presentations◦ Contact local experts through e-mail or Facebook◦ Write “Letters to the Editor” through e-mail

Dear Dr. Negrete,Good morning. I am ___________. My science partner is ____________.

We are working on a project about chemical changes. We attend____________ located on ____________. We are both in seventh grade

and are interested in careers in chemistry. We would like to ask you a few questions:

1) When did you become interested in chemistry? (Elementary, Middle school, High school)

2) What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?3) Are you from Texas? If not, where? 4) Where did you study?5) What are currently studying?Me and my partner would like to invite you to our school to teach

the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes about chemistry.Thank you for reading our e-mail.

Sincerely,_______________________

Rubrics Tests Portfolios Parent/Teacher Communication

Contact information:carmen.martinez@utsa.eduspjcmartinez@yahoo.com

Ada, A.F. and Campoy, F. I. (2004). Authors in the classroom: A transformativeeducation process. Boston, MA: Pearson, Inc.

Pérez, B. (Ed.) (2004). Sociocultural contexts of languages and literacy. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

www.edHelper.com www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/venn.pdf http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/wheel_eng.pdf www.faculty.mwsu.edu http://techtoolsforschools.blogspot.com/2010/01/facebook-project-

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