36 Writing in Science

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Writing in Science

Start-Up Activity

Write "E = mc²" on the board and ask your class what it is. (Einstein's formula equating matter and energy.) Ask if anyone knows where this formula came from (Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity). Point out that all of the great scientific advances are communicated and learned through writing (and mathematics). Writing also helps scientists think through and organize their own ideas.

Tell students that they will be writing some forms that well deepen their scientific knowledge and communicate it to others.

Think About It

“It should be possible to explain the laws of physics to a barmaid.”

—Albert Einstein

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Definition Essay

Help your students understand that a definition essay needs to go far deeper than a simple dictionary definition of a term. It needs to include examples, characteristics, and other types of details to make the concept clear.

Have volunteers read aloud each paragraph of the sample definition essay, along with any accompanying side notes. Then discuss the essay as a class. Ask students which details were most interesting in the essay. Encourage them to seek similar details to include in their own essays.

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Page 319 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing Guidelines: Definition Essay

Encourage your students to select a term from a science unit that they are currently studying. They should think about terms that have multiple examples or other complexities to explore in a definition essay.

After students have chosen terms to define, have them research the term. Provide the 4-square chart, which they can use to gather details about their terms. Also, challenge them to find an image that they could include to make their definition clearer.

Once students have enough details to begin drafting, lead them through the tips for creating beginnings, middles, and endings. Then give them time to write.

After students complete their first drafts, distribute the revising and editing checklist to help them improve their definition essays.

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Page 320 from Write on Course 20-20

Comparison-Contrast Essay

Remind students that comparing means noting similarities while contrasting means noting differences. Also remind them that this sort of essay requires two subjects that will be compared and contrasted.

Have students read each paragraph of the sample essay aloud along with any side notes related to it. Then discuss the essay:

  • What comparisons and contrasts stood out?
  • How does the voice in the first and last paragraph make the writing more engaging?
  • How does the photo help explain the comparison?

 

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Page 321 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing Guidelines: Comparison-Contrast Essay

For their comparison-contrast essays, encourage students to select two topics that you are currently studying. Make sure the topics have plenty of similarities and differences, for example amphibians and reptiles, or gas giant planets and rocky planets.

Have students gather and organize details about their subjects by using the related minilesson and the download within it.

Once students have researched their topics, present the tips for beginnings, middles, and endings, and give them time to write.

After they have drafted their essays, provide the revising and editing checklist to help students improve their writing.

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Page 322 from Write on Course 20-20

Other Science Forms and Subjects

Use the top part of this page as an index to find other writing projects that you can use to support learning in science.

Direct students to the bottom part of this page if they are looking for broad subjects that will give a starting point for finding specific topics in science.

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