Learning the Literacies of Science

This chapter focuses on effective use of literacies in learning science. In engaging with science learning in primary school, students need to learn how to interpret and construct scientific ideas, processes, methods and findings through the integrated use of factual texts, drawing, diagrams, tables and graphs. While factual texts are common to many school subjects such as art and history, they are crucial for presenting concepts or findings on science topics. Procedural texts are common in many school subjects, and in students’ conversations, and aim to explain how to do something. They may include lists of ingredients or materials required to complete a task, or provide a sequence of directions and instructions.