We’ve all been there – staring at the schedule, trying to squeeze in one more reading intervention or math practice session. But teaching science? That can wait until next week. Or the week after. Or maybe we’ll get to it in the spring.
In fact, that’s what I was told in my first year of teaching by one of my teammates. She said May was for squeezing in all the science standards.
With mounting pressure to boost reading and math test scores, science often gets pushed aside. But here’s what might surprise you: teaching science could actually be the key to improving those reading scores you’re working so hard to raise.
The Secret Connection Between Science and Reading
Research shows that background knowledge is one of the strongest predictors of reading comprehension success. Students who know more about the world around them perform better on reading tests – not because they’re better decoders, but because they understand what they’re reading about.
And the most effective way to build that background knowledge? You guessed it – teaching science.
Building the Background Knowledge Students Need
Here’s the challenge: not all students come to us with the same experiences or access to information. Some have visited museums, traveled, or had countless conversations about how things work. Others haven’t had those opportunities.
That’s where we make the difference.
Science lessons give us a structured way to level the playing field. The good news? Students are already fascinated by scientific topics like animals, weather patterns, space, and how things grow. The curiosity and engagement are built in – we just need to provide the resources and guided exploration to feed their naturally inquisitive minds.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
Humans are born curious, which makes this part easier than you might think.
Try starting your science lessons with an intriguing question and let students share their background knowledge. Keep that initial list posted throughout the unit – students love seeing how their thinking evolves as they learn more.
As you progress through the unit, introduce increasingly complex concepts that challenge students to think deeper. Use strategies like Text to Self, Text to Text, and Text to World connections to push their analytical thinking.
As you teach science, have students keep a science journal which helps them organize their observations, questions, and develop understanding over time.
You can grab these science recording sheets for free! I designed several options for you to keep your learners engaged during science.
Creating Space for Creative Exploration
Let’s be honest – hands-on activities energize both students and teachers. Science naturally lends itself to active, engaging learning experiences.
Set up an environment where curiosity leads to discovery. Create exploration stations with materials related to your unit and give students time to investigate, observe, and wonder. The act of exploring itself deepens learning in ways that worksheets simply can’t match.
Don’t let limited materials hold you back. There are excellent free resources available like Epic and SciKids Show that provide engaging content for exploration.
And here’s a tip: parents often want to support their child’s learning. Send home an Amazon wish list for your science unit – you might be surprised by the response.
Expanding Vocabulary in Context
Science instruction is a powerful vehicle for vocabulary development. When students learn content-specific terms in context – not in isolation – those words stick.
Read scientific nonfiction texts aloud and pause to discuss new vocabulary as it appears. This immediate connection between the word and its meaning in context helps students retain the terms much more effectively than memorizing definitions from a list.
Display key vocabulary words visually so students can connect the written word with the explanation and context. This vocabulary growth doesn’t just help in science – it builds the prior knowledge and academic language that supports comprehension across all subjects and grade levels.
Making Time for What Matters
Here’s the bottom line: we need to make teaching science a priority, even if we start small.
The research is clear. Science instruction develops critical thinking skills, builds essential background knowledge, expands vocabulary, and creates engaging learning experiences that students remember long after the lesson ends.
You don’t need hours every day. Even 15 minutes of consistent science instruction makes a meaningful difference. Think of it as an investment – one that pays dividends in reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and genuine student engagement.
Your students are naturally curious about the world around them. Science gives you the opportunity to channel that curiosity into powerful learning. And when you do, you’re not just teaching science – you’re building the foundation for success across every subject.
Happy teaching,
Katie
