Assign a language function to each 5E phase (describe, compare and contrast, classify, classify with justification) and align language objectives with science objectives¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The Montebello project added a language column to the 5E template so teachers identified the major language focus of each lesson phase. For example, in the Engage phase students might "use language to describe a concept," while in Explore and Explain they might compare and contrast and classify concepts, and in Elaborate they might classify a concept with justification. This reflects the principle that rich conversations do not just occur—language objectives, like science objectives, must be identified and learning experiences orchestrated.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Teachers identify the primary language function for each phase before creating supporting materials such as sentence frames

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• elementary English learners across proficiency levels

Target Learning Goals¶

• academic language functions (describing, comparing, classifying, justifying)
• science explanation and communication

Affordances¶

• Modified 5E Template Concept Language Columns

Related Strategies¶

• Use backward design: complete the concept column first, mapping prior-knowledge, connecting, and application concepts before planning activities
• Front-load Tier 1 vocabulary before the science lesson and teach embedded scientific vocabulary in the lesson's context
• Support English learners with sentence frames, graphic organizers, and word walls—but supplement frames with level-appropriate strategies because frames can limit the range of student responses
• Scaffolding Structure and Function in PBL
• Phase-aligned teaching applications for LLM-supported learning across five phases

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• DiRanna, K., & Gomez-Zwiep, S. (2013). High-Quality Science Instruction: Building Conceptual Understanding and Language Skills for English Learners. San Francisco: WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED580368