Transforming science education through research-driven innovation

Professional Learning Institute: ELD through Science

Join BSCS Science Learning in partnership with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools for a professional learning institute designed to help K–5 educators strengthen science instruction for multilingual learners.

Across Fresno County, students bring roughly 100 languages and dialects to the classroom, along with curiosity, questions, and ways of seeing the world that make science richer for everyone. Science gives multilingual learners meaningful things to observe, wonder about, and explain. That’s exactly where language grows.

This institute shows how science can support students’ language development. Phenomenon-driven investigations give students real reasons to talk, write, and argue—the language practice called for by the CA English Language Development (ELD) Standards—while they grow in their use of science practices at the same time.

Date: January 8, 2027
Time: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: AIMS Center for Math & Science Education, 1595 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, California, 93702
Cost: $450 for one person or $400 for teams of 2 or more (includes materials and lunch)
Registration deadline: December 10, 2026

Overview

This professional learning institute focuses on ELD through science for K–5 educators. Participants will explore practical ways to make sensemaking accessible for multilingual learners while creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop language through science.

You’ll leave with:

  • Sample K–5 science lessons ready to use next week.
  • Practical strategies for integrated ELD, where science leads and language grows. You’ll also explore designated ELD, where language leads and science serves as the vehicle.
  • Materials you don’t have to make, plus guidance on where to find more.
  • Supports that lift every student learning the language of science, with the added layer multilingual learners need.

Designed for

This institute is designed for:

  • K–5 teachers.
  • Instructional coaches.
  • School and district leaders.

Institute Highlights

  • ELD through science: Explore how phenomenon-driven science investigations create authentic reasons for students to talk, write, and argue while developing their science practices.
  • Classroom-ready resources: Leave with sample K–5 science lessons and materials you can use with students.
  • Integrated and designated ELD: Learn practical strategies for supporting language development through science.
  • Expert facilitators:
    • Dr. Susan Gomez Zwiep, Program Director for Science Teacher Learning, BSCS Science Learning.
    • Janna Mahfoud, MA, MLL and Science Instructional Coach, BSCS Science Learning.
  • Expertly designed: Developed by BSCS Science Learning in partnership with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.
  • Optional university credit: One CE unit available through Fresno Pacific University.

Availability is limited, so be sure to sign up by December 10!

Register Now

Partner