Science Practice #7

This tool allows teachers to upload text files to detemine their lexile level. Addtionally, teachers can view text characteristics, such as patterns and sentence lengths, that provide opportunities for scaffolding of texts. It also includes a vocabulary tab that identifies significant vocabulary within the passage.

Wisconsin Department of Education Learning Vocabulary in Science Blog and Resources. Specifically focused on vocabulary introduction and usage within NGSS/Framework aligned science teaching. 

Many science educators focus on pre-teaching technical vocabulary at the start of the unit to help students become comfortable with science discourse. However, it is much more productive to support learners as they organically develop language (terms, phrases) that interprets and explains phenomena, rather than asking them to merely acquire terms. Additionally, it is key for equity that educators identify, value, and leverage students’ home languages.

Discipline specific vocabulary in science should be introduced after a concept is introduced and when it is needed for sensemaking and communication. The vocabulary introduced should also be based on the Disciplinary Core Ideas in the NGSS/MSS Standards. This website has the standards that contain the appropriate science concepts and vocabulary for the standards taught at each grade band.