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Language, Science & Cultural Explorations in Costa Rica Robert Cho, Boston Public Schools FFT Fellow - 2005 Slide 2 Needs ~50% of my students are native Spanish speakers All of these students speak English All of these students speak English ~ 1/3 of their parents do NOT speak English ~ 1/3 of their parents do NOT speak English I lacked a real-world connection to major portions of my district-prescribed science curriculum Diversity of Life Diversity of Life Earth History Earth History Slide 3 Goals Science Connections Spanish Language Immersion Slide 4 Outcomes I attained a degree of functional fluency in conversational Spanish my skills and confidence have continued to grow my skills and confidence have continued to grow I gained a deeper understanding of science topics directly connected to my curriculum Diversity of Life Diversity of Life Earth History Earth History Slide 5 Slide 6 Slide 7 Outcomes First-hand experience of being a second language learner Slide 8 Outcomes Created a deeper personal connection with my students (language, culture, experiences) Slide 9 Outcomes Using my experience to create extensions beyond the district-prescribed curriculum Readings about science & scientists Readings about science & scientists Jigsaw lessons on leaf-cutter ants Jigsaw lessons on leaf-cutter ants Slide 10 Outcomes Validated and emphasized the importance of putting me into the classroom Slide 11 Slide 12 Outcomes The love of being a lifelong learner Reinvigorated my passion for research Reinvigorated my passion for research Modeling for my students and colleagues Modeling for my students and colleagues Slide 13 Thank you!