Beyond the One-Hour Outreach Talk: Introducing a Reading and Writing Program into a High School Science Class

Abstract

We present a discussion of a newly implemented one-year program that brings high-level science reading and writing into a remedial high school science class. In the program, articles from publications such as Scientific American and Astronomy magazines are used to teach current science topics and to reinforce reading and writing skills. These skills are critical for general knowledge, literacy, and for passing state standardized tests. Members of the astronomy community act as “writing coaches” to help guide the students through the reading and writing process. This program illustrates one way that astronomers can become involved with underserved populations.