M12: Writing Language and Content Objectives for Science

Let's write some language objectives for science and social studies together. 

First, think about what might be a challenge for your multilingual students.  

For example, what is challenging about science?

• Discourse

  • Discourse structure may be very different from the students’ previous English experience.

• Structures

  • Grammatical forms and structures in textbooks become increasingly complex.

• Academic Language Skills

  • All four academic language skills are required.

• Conceptual Understanding

  • Scientific misunderstandings are remarkably persistent

• Study Skills

  • Study skills are similar to those in language arts and social studies.

Example of a content objective for middle school science:

(4)  Scientific processes. The student knows how to use tools and methods to conduct science inquiry.

What language objectives could accompany that content objective?

Students will interpret the words "Hypothesis, Observations, Conclusions, and Analysis" and apply the vocabulary through written and oral language to discuss the scientific process.