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Season 7, Special Episode

Integrating science and literacy strategies, with Susan Gomez Zwiep

We’re excited to share a special episode from our friends at the Science Connections podcast!

Literacy learning doesn’t end when a student leaves their English class; it continues to develop, grow and be challenged across all subject domains. In this episode, we’re excited to share a special episode from our friends at the podcast. In this episode, host Eric Cross sits down with Susan Gomez Zwiep, former middle school science teacher and senior science educator at BSCS Science Learning. She shares research that shows the benefits of integrating science and literacy strategies, tips for applying these ideas in the classroom, and what she’s learned through her own experiences.

Meet our guest(s):

Susan Gomez Zwiep

Susan Gomez Zwiep began her career in science education as a middle school science teacher in Los Angeles, where she spent over 12 years working in urban schools. Prior to joining BSCS, Susan worked at California State University, Long Beach as a Professor of Science Education.

Susan has also worked as a regional director for the K–12 Alliance, providing high-quality professional development in science and mathematics for K–12 educators, including the CA NGSS Early Implementer Initiative. Susan consistently works toward establishing equitable access for all students to rigorous, inquiry-based science instruction, and she supports teachers in their journey to become advocates for students, science education, and their own professional development.

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Meet our host: Eric Cross

​​Eric Cross, host of Science Connections, is a seventh grade science/technology teacher, grade-level lead, and digital learning innovator for Albert Einstein Academies International Baccalaureate schools. He is also an adjunct professor of learning and technology at the University of San Diego and a Google-certified innovator. Eric earned a bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University and a master’s degree in education from the University of San Diego. He worked with at-risk youth and underserved populations for 17 years before becoming a middle-school teacher. By building relationships with students, colleagues, and the community, he has become an empowered leader in and out of the classroom. He’s made STEM accessible to students through learning experiences centered in student agency, highly engaging lesson design, thoughtful integration of digital tools, and culturally relevant pedagogy.

Transcripts and additional resources

Quotes

“When we used science as a context for language development, kids were talking more; kids were writing more; kids were engaged.” —Susan Gomez Zwiep

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