Narrative Writing

We write every day in science, and much of our writing is technical and informational.  I want to keep students engaged and excited about learning, so I continually look for ways to add variety to our products.  Sometimes we write stories while using the information we are learning.  I always want my students to have an authentic audience, so I find ways for them to publish and share work.  I do give students a choice in how they show me what they have learned.  A recent assignment included the choice to write a story about the life of a waterdrop.  Click HERE to view the student rubric.
One of my more independent students chose to write a script and create a puppet show!  Click the photo to see what transpired.

Narrative writing "reveals student content knowledge and depth of understanding" (Michigan Science Teachers Association and The Office of School Improvement, n.d.).  Students can be creative while showing mastery of content, and narrative writing can provide teachers with an assessment tool (Michigan Science Teachers Association and The Office of School Improvement, n.d.).

Teachers should provide students with sample products, rubrics, and storyboard mats, as well (Michigan Science Teachers Association and The Office of School Improvement, n.d.).  Students will have a clear understanding of expectations and can practice science content while developing as a writer.

References

Michigan Science Teachers Association and The Office of School Improvement. (n.d.). Writing across the curriculum. Retrieved from Michigan.gov: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Science_WAC_2_3_264454_7.pdf