Engaging in Argumentation: Strategies for Early Elementary and English Language Learners

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize evaluating and using evidence in scientific argumentation to foster students' deeper understanding of science. English learners (ELs) may not have the academic English needed for argumentation even when they have the higher-order thinking skills required. This article provides strategies and activities related to scientific argumentation. A lesson for first-graders who are all ELs is used to demonstrate teaching scientific argumentation skills to ELs.