Educational pundit E.D. Hirsch has suggested that, at its core, every test is a vocabulary test. We learn to read and write to make sense of and communicate about everything we encounter. When students write about what they see, they engage with the material in an intentional manner. When they have interesting experiences, they write more and with more energy. Join us as we investigate ways of incorporating the North Carolina State Essential Standards in Science with appropriate reading and writing activities all aimed at strengthening our students’ facility in both areas. Taking advantage of the numerous ecosystems in close proximity to the center, we will use literacy activities to enhance our engagement and understanding of several field activities. Teachers will have the opportunity to adapt the activities to their local ecosystems and students’ literacy levels. This seminar is primarily targeted at pre-K through 3 teachers but is appropriate for all grade levels.