All the Light We Cannot See: Novel and Properties of Waves Study

Introduction

Yager (2004) noted that for students to truly internalize scientific concepts, those concepts must be firmly rooted in familiarity. Students must be able to make connections between the world in which they reside and scientific learning. Nichols (2015) posits that the integration of Science and English Language Arts (ELA) can be a powerful means to bridge these connections and increase confidence in both subject areas. In this chapter, we introduce one method of integrating these two content areas, through a novel and a study of the properties of waves. We specifically focus on the following:

• 1.

  Connections between Common Core ELA Standards and the Science and Engineering Practices, outlined in the Framework for K-12 Education (National Research Council, 2012) and incorporated by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States, 2013);

• 2.

  Science and ELA content standards;

• 3.

  Tested classroom examples using 5E instruction; and

• 4.

  Corresponding assessment rubrics.

Ela And Science Practices Addressed

In this chapter, we highlight a set of two practices, one for ELA and one for science, that are integrated into each subject area (see Figure 1). The ELA practice of reading, writing, and speaking grounded in evidence is used by students throughout the lesson in both content areas. Likewise, students use the NGSS practice of developing and using models in the ELA classroom as well as in the science classroom. By selecting a pair of ELA and science practices to incorporate into the lessons, the integration happens quite naturally and in a meaningful way.

Figure 1.

Pairing ELA and science practices

Ela And Science Topics Addressed

This lesson focuses on waves, including properties, sounds, the electromagnetic spectrum, and uses in conjunction with communication devices. In the ELA classroom, the novel All the Light We Cannot See will be used as the anchor of both a novel study and an examination of different technologies that made use during World War II of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the science classroom, students will explore the properties of waves through a variety of models, and the application of waves in technology.