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30 Writing in Science

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217
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Writing in Science Opening Page

Start-Up Activity

Explain to students that without writing there would be no science, at least the type of science that we know and study today. More specifically, there would be no records of observations and experiments for scientists to learn from and build on. They would be in the dark, and the world would not enjoy the present level of scientific advancement and understanding.  

Writing can help you better understand and appreciate science, too, because it helps you think more carefully about new scientific concepts. Tell students that this chapter will show them how to write two different types of science-related essays. Then read and discuss page 217.  

Note:  Science and/or English teachers can implement these guidelines.

Think About It

“The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.”

—Albert Einstein

Page 218 from All Write

Writing Guidelines: Definition Essay

Ask students what it means to define a new word or concept.  (To define is to make something clearer and more definite.) Then inform them that this page provides guidelines for writing a definition essay, a form of writing that expands the notion of defining a topic. A definition essay can include, among other things, a standard definition, examples, and characteristics. (Refer to the sample on page 219 for students to see these types of details in action.) Review the guidelines. Then consider developing a definition essay as a class before you have students try one on their own.

 

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NE ELA Standard:

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Page 219 from All Write

Sample Definition: Explaining a Term

Have a volunteer read the sample aloud. During your discussion of the sample, ask students to identify these details: (Also note that the photo adds a nice touch.)

  • a standard definition
  • examples
  • characteristics of the topic
  • a nonexample

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Page 220 from All Write

Writing Guidelines: Comparison Essay

Inform students that comparing two topics can help them understand each topic better, and this is especially true in science, which classifies so many different types of things. Review the guidelines. Then ask students to identify examples of similarities and differences between the following topics:

  • alligators and crocodiles
  • hornets and wasps
  • deltas and flood plains

Then consider developing a comparison essay as a class before you have students try one on their own.

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TEKS Standard:
NE ELA Standard:

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Page 221 from All Write

Sample Comparison: Explaining Two Topics

Have a volunteer read the sample aloud. During your discussion of the text, have students identify the focus statement in the beginning paragraph. Then ask them the following questions:

  • Does the writer start with the similarities or the differences?
  • Does she include all of the details from her Venn diagram?
  • What sentence signals a switch from comparing to contrasting?
  • How does the ending connect to the beginning?

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Page 222 from All Write

Other Science Forms

Review with students other forms that they may use to write about science-related topics. Then review the subject areas listed on the page. Each one could lead to a number of potential writing topics. Example:

  • Subject area: Natural disasters
  • Topic: Tsunamis
  • Possible Essay Focuses: Causes and effects or a recent example (description)

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