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Language, Culture, and Knowledge-building through Science (LaCuKnoS) is a framework for multilingual science meaning making and a pedagogical model for supporting educators and multilingual learners in science classrooms.
Language, Culture, and Knowledge-building through Science (LaCuKnoS) is a framework for multilingual science meaning making and a pedagogical model for supporting educators and multilingual learners in science classrooms.
The LaCuKnoS model was developed during a previous NSF LISELL research project examining ways to support secondary grades science teachers working with increasing numbers of multilingual learners. The project explored:
The role of language development in science learning
The role of culturally sustaining practices in science learning
Contexts provided for learners to use and build their language resources to make meaning
The LaCuKnoS Model and Corresponding Practices
The LaCuKnoS Model and Corresponding Practices
Language Development
Language Development
Students use language to represent “what they know” and “who they are” in relation to science. In LaCuKnoS, students learn to use language that matches their purposes as consumers and producers of scientific meaning.
Cultural Sustenance
Cultural Sustenance
Many students do not see their cultures, their communities, or their histories represented in science, either in school or in society. LaCuKnoS highlights questions of place, power, and community knowledge in relation to science practices and big ideas.
Knowledge Building
Knowledge Building
Scientific understanding comes from seeing connections among different ideas and explaining the nature of those connections. In LaCuKnoS, students learn to communicate powerful, evidence-based explanations of natural phenomena and human designed activities.
How LaCuKnoS will support educators?
How LaCuKnoS will support educators?
By facilitating the adoption and adaptation of core instructional practices for different groups of multilingual learners.
By encouraging collaboratively development of instructional materials that explicitly integrate language, culture, and content knowledge.
By fostering strong partnerships among schools, multilingual families, communities, and local employers in ways that have positive impacts on multilingual learners’ STEM academic and occupational pathways.
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