Language, Science & Cultural Explorations in

Costa RicaRobert Cho, Boston Public Schools

FFT Fellow - 2005

Needs

~50% of my students are native Spanish speakers• All of these students speak English• ~ 1/3 of their parents do NOT speak

English

I lacked a real-world connection to major portions of my district-prescribed science curriculum• Diversity of Life• Earth History

Goals

Outcomes

I attained a degree of functional fluency in conversational Spanish• my skills and confidence have

continued to grow

I gained a deeper understanding of science topics directly connected to my curriculum• Diversity of Life• Earth History

Outcomes

First-hand experience of being a second language learner

Outcomes

Created a deeper personal connection with my students (language, culture, experiences)

Outcomes

Using my experience to create extensions beyond the district-prescribed curriculum• Readings about science & scientists• Jigsaw lessons on leaf-cutter ants

Outcomes

Validated and emphasized the importance of putting me into the classroom

Outcomes

The love of being a lifelong learner• Reinvigorated my passion for research• Modeling for my students and

colleagues

Thank you!