Transforming science education through research-driven innovation

Elementary Science Professional Learning Institute for Multilingual Learners

Join BSCS Science Learning in partnership with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools for a two-day professional learning institute designed to help elementary educators strengthen science instruction for multilingual learners. This institute will support teachers, instructional coaches, and school and district leaders in using the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) to make science more accessible, engaging, and equitable for every student.

Please note that the institute originally scheduled for July 29–30, 2026, is being rescheduled for a later date. We are actively working on finalizing the new schedule.

Overview

With approximately 100 languages and dialects spoken across Fresno County schools, students bring rich perspectives into the science classroom. This institute explores how to make scientific discovery more accessible for multilingual learners through phenomenon-driven, three-dimensional science instruction that creates authentic opportunities for language development and scientific sensemaking.

Participants will learn how to:

  • Use CA NGSS to support multilingual learners in high-level science discourse.
  • Select and embed ELD supports into lessons so all students can participate in grade-level science thinking.
  • Access classroom-ready tools that make sensemaking accessible for every learner.
  • Build on the linguistic and cultural strengths multilingual learners already bring to school.
  • Engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning they can bring directly back to students.
Classroom-Ready Tools: Get resources that make sensemaking accessible for every student--no matter what language they bring to the classroom. Bridge the Gap: Discover how to select and embed ELD support into lessons--so every student can dive into science thinking at grade level. Cultivate Confidence: Tap into linguistic and cultural strengths your ML students already have--and watch them light up as capable, confident scientists.

Designed for

This institute is designed for:

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

Institute highlights

  • NGSS for Multilingual Learners: Learn how to leverage the CA NGSS framework to create equitable pathways for multilingual learners.
  • Hands-on learning: Engage in inquiry-based experiences you can bring directly to your students.
  • Grade-band breakouts: Partner with K–2 and 3–5 colleagues to strengthen support for multilingual learners.
  • 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.
  • Optional university credit: One CE unit available through Fresno Pacific University.

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