2024 On-demand, self-paced course

Science has its own distinctive language and literacy demands. Teachers who can incorporate science literacy into their day-to-day teaching enable students to become independent and successful learners. This primer course is designed to reveal to participants how scientific texts change according to purpose mode and audience.

Enrol Now

Course outline:  
The course comprises a number of modules that will assist you in building a better understanding of the language of science. While some modules will focus on the words of science, others will focus on the text structures. Prevalent in science communication that is used to build complex scientific meanings. Quizzes, puzzles and participant commentary are used throughout the course to consolidate the course learnings.  

Module 1: Introduction - What is literacy?
Module 2: Vocabulary in Science
Module 3: Comprehending Science
Module 4: Speaking Science
Module 5: Writing Science

  • Instructing and describing
  • Advanced grammar
  • Explanations in Science
  • Persuading Science

Module 6: Last but not least... resources and reflections.

This course was developed by Jim Sturgiss and is being released by the Science Teachers Association of NSW in memory of Jim. 

Jim was an educational researcher, education consultant and recipient of the NSW PTC Distinguished Service Award for leadership in delivering targeted professional learning to teachers. He worked with schools to align assessment, reporting and learning practice and developed several state-wide assessments with DoE.

Jim passed away in 2021, following his work with STANSW to develop accessible online learning programs. All proceeds from this course will fund a scholarship in Jim Sturgiss' name, providing accessible professional learning to science teachers.

Course Outcomes:

  • That teachers of science apply knowledge and understanding of effective teaching strategies to support students’ literacy.
  • Science teachers understand that the language of science is unique to science and must be taught by science teachers
  • Science teachers understand that the language of science serves many purposes including instructing, describing, explaining and persuading.
  • Science teachers understand that the structure and grammar of scientific texts are determined by the text purpose
  • Science teachers apply effective teaching strategies to support students' literacy

 

To enrol please visit here.