The language of science, which emphasizes reasoning about the causes and conditions of scientific phenomenon and use of visuals to convey information, can be difficult for young readers and writers without a lot of teacher scaffolding (Pappas and Varelas 2009). It is important that teachers understand these linguistic requirements to support…

Discusses the language practices of introductory biology courses, the means by which knowledge is constructed in such courses, and how it may exclude female students. Provides student responses to writing tasks in the biology class, and analyzes those responses. Shows how male and female students differ in their responses. (HB)