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Science In A Snapshot · Research & Practice

Science Through Photography

Research-based strategies that use the photograph as an entry point — making science observable, discussable, and accessible for multilingual learners and the communities they come from.

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Science Through Photography infographic
Plate I · The framework at a glance
Core commitments

Six principles behind every photograph

What guides the choice of image, the questions asked of it, and the supports built around it.

01

Visual Documentation

Photography turns abstract science concepts into tangible, accessible experiences that connect classroom content to students' lived worlds.

02

Cultural Responsiveness

Students' cultural backgrounds, community knowledge, and home languages are treated as assets in science, not obstacles to it.

03

Student-Centered Inquiry

Moving from teacher-directed instruction to student-driven investigation: asking questions, gathering evidence, constructing understanding.

04

Multimodal Communication

Multiple ways to access, process, and express scientific thinking — image, text, speech, and action together.

05

Phenomena-Based Learning

Instruction grounded in observable, personally relevant phenomena motivates authentic investigation of the real world.

06

Equity & Access

All learners — particularly multilingual students — get the support, resources, and high expectations they need to succeed.

Research library

Seven readings that shaped this work

Peer-reviewed articles, teaching tools, and policy documents — each readable in place, each downloadable.

No. 01
2010

Science via Photography: Using digital media to enhance animal adaptation and diversity lessons

How educators can use photography to enhance science lessons about habitat and adaptation.

Photography in teachingVisual literacyVocabulary development
The photographs are breathtaking, the possibilities are endless, and your students will truly see that science is everywhere.
Alex D. Jones · Science and Children, January 2010
No. 02
CESA 2

Multilingual Learners as Scientists: The Synergy of NGSS and WIDA

How the Next Generation Science Standards and the WIDA 2020 Standards work together to support multilingual learners in science education.

Multilingual learner supportNGSS & WIDA integrationMultimodality
Science is all around us. Science is on a medicine bottle, condensation on your window, dish soap bubbling up in hot water.
Dr. Ruslana A. Westerlund & Dr. Emily Adah Miller · CESA 2 Language & Culture Center
No. 03
2015

How to launch STEM investigations that build on student and community interests and expertise

The self-documentation strategy: students use photo documentation to identify personally compelling phenomena from their everyday lives.

Interest-driven learningSelf-documentationCultural responsiveness
There are literally millions of potentially interesting things in the world to see, to do, to learn about. But they don't become actually interesting until we devote attention to them.
Philip Bell, Deb Morrison & Angela DeBarger · STEM Teaching Tool #31
No. 04
IQWST

How does a Driving Question Board promote the shift from ‘learning it’ to ‘figuring it out’?

How a Driving Question Board serves as a visual reference tool to help students and teachers track learning progress throughout a science unit.

Inquiry-based learningVisual learning toolsStudent questioning
The Driving Question Board serves as a visual reference to focus students' attention, record what they have learned, show where they have been and where they are going.
Activate Learning IQWST
No. 05
2019

Quick Reference Guide: Phenomena in the Classroom

What phenomena are in science education and how to use them effectively — a scientific phenomenon is an observable event that students can investigate.

Phenomena-based instructionStudent investigationNGSS alignment
Teaching with phenomena is providing students with an authentic experience that engages students in asking questions.
Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education, June 2019
No. 06
DESE

Vision and Blueprint for English Learner Success

Four pillars: School Culture, Access to Educators, Opportunity and Support, and A Plan for Future Success.

English learner successAsset-based teachingFamily engagement
English learners are taught by effective, well-prepared, and culturally responsive educators who hold them to high standards.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
No. 07
2023

As schools brace for more English learners, how well are they being served now?

How school districts across the United States are serving English learners amid growing enrollment and teacher shortages.

English learner enrollmentTeacher shortagesResource allocation
Smaller class sizes give children time to talk.
Jo Napolitano · The 74 Million, April 25, 2023
A photograph gives every student something to say — before they have the words to say it.
Why this work exists
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Questions, collaborations, invitations

Have a question, collaboration idea, or want to learn more about using photography in science education? Send a message below.