Educators have argued the need for greater attention on how teachers learn to teach writing in science (Kelly and Bazerman in "Appl Linguist" 24(1):28-55, 2003; Martin in "Writing science: literacy and discursive power." University of Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, pp 166-202, 1993). This article summarizes the findings of a qualitative study of five science preservice teachers as they experienced a unit of study, an inquiry-based instructional framework for the teaching of writing. Results found initially the science preservice teachers did not have knowledge of specific instructional approaches to teach writing. The science preservice teachers engaged in critical and analytical reading and writing, which enhanced their knowledge of writing and how to teach writing. The unit of study approach to writing may offer teacher educators a way to engage science preservice teachers in a method to teach scientific writing.