1. Language, Science & Cultural Explorations in Costa Rica Robert Cho, Boston Public Schools FFT Fellow - 2005

2. Needs  ~50% of my students are native Spanish speakers All of these students speak English All of these students speak English ~ 1/3 of their parents do NOT speak English ~ 1/3 of their parents do NOT speak English  I lacked a real-world connection to major portions of my district-prescribed science curriculum Diversity of Life Diversity of Life Earth History Earth History

3. Goals Science Connections Spanish Language Immersion

4. Outcomes  I attained a degree of functional fluency in conversational Spanish my skills and confidence have continued to grow my skills and confidence have continued to grow  I gained a deeper understanding of science topics directly connected to my curriculum Diversity of Life Diversity of Life Earth History Earth History

7. Outcomes  First-hand experience of being a second language learner

8. Outcomes  Created a deeper personal connection with my students (language, culture, experiences)

9. Outcomes  Using my experience to create extensions beyond the district-prescribed curriculum Readings about science & scientists Readings about science & scientists Jigsaw lessons on leaf-cutter ants Jigsaw lessons on leaf-cutter ants

10. Outcomes  Validated and emphasized the importance of putting me into the classroom

12. Outcomes  The love of being a lifelong learner Reinvigorated my passion for research Reinvigorated my passion for research Modeling for my students and colleagues Modeling for my students and colleagues

13. Thank you!