It's Time for Science Podcast Episode 29: English Language Development and Translanguaging

It's Time for Science Podcast Episode 29: English Language Development and Translanguaging

From It's Time for Science by Tom Racine

November 11, 2025 · 32 min

About this episode

Tom Racine discusses English Language Development and translanguaging in the science classroom with guests Diana Vélez and Claudio Vargas.

It's Time for Science and it's time to talk about English Language Development (ELD) and translanguaging! Tom talks with Diana Vélez and Claudio Vargas about ELD in the science classroom and discusses their work on translanguaging. Diana Vélez is a curriculum developer and professional learning provider for the Full Option Science System Project (FOSS K–8) at the Lawrence Hall of Science. She specializes in English language development and the integration of literacy in science teaching and learning. Ms. Vélez assists in the development and implementation of FOSS instructional materials and creates pedagogical resources that support access and equity. She also leads professional learning experiences for educators, administrators, families, and community members using FOSS instructional materials to develop scientific literacy, teacher capacity, and systemic change in schools and districts across the country and internationally. Before coming to the Lawrence Hall of Science, Ms. Vélez was the instructional leader for a science-centered elementary school in Oakland, California and was a founding-member and teacher in a Spanish dual-immersion program. She has two bachelor's degrees…

People in this episode

Host: Tom Racine

Guests: Diana Vélez, Claudio Vargas

Topics covered

  • English Language Development
  • translanguaging
  • science education
  • equity in STEM
  • curriculum development

Keywords

  • English Language Development
  • translanguaging
  • science classroom
  • curriculum development
  • equity in STEM

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lawrence Hall of Science, Full Option Science System Project, California State University, East Bay

Places: Oakland, California, California, United States

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