Science, Text Structure, and The Golden Compass

Dark Matter

About 90% of the Universe is dark—we can't see it except through its gravitational pull. Although this was suspected more than 60 years ago, we are just now in a position to explore the dark matter in large areas of the Universe through a technique called weak gravitational lensing.

Text Structure v. Graphic Organizers

Text structure: Pattern organization

used by writer to communicate ideas

Writers use more than one pattern in a single text -- sometimes multiple structures can be found on the same page

Graphic organizers: Pattern of organization

used by reader to organize ideas

Reader’s choice of graphic organizer depends on the purpose for reading, the question asked, or the problem to be solved

Attribute...

Topic is described by listing characteristics, features and examples

Cue words are for example and characteristics are

Also called ‘description’ or ‘list’

Sequence

Items are listed in numerical or chronological order

Cue words include first, second, third, next, then and finally

Sequence, continued...

Compare and Contrast

Explains how two things are alike and/or different

Cue words include different, contrast, alike, same as, and on the other hand

Sometimes called a Venn diagram

Other forms: “T” or “Y” charts

Cause and Effect

List one or more causes and the resulting effect or effects

Cue words include reasons why, if....then, as a result, therefore, and because

Problem/Solution

Problem is stated and one or more solutions listed

Cue words include problem is, dilemma is, puzzle is, solved, and question...answer

Also called “question and answer”, in which author poses question and then answers it

How these patterns mirror everyday thinking

What did I have for dinner last night?

What steps should I follow to send a text message?

How are the NBA and the NFL alike? How are they different?

How is it that certain students do better on standardized tests than other kids, all other things being equal?

How can I get my students to become better readers and writers?

Importance of text pattern recognition for science...

Comprehension: If you can follow the pattern, you can pick up

the ideas and attach those concepts to their labels with greater efficiency and retention.

Prediction: Once you identify a text pattern, you can

make predictions about what comes next. Effective readers actively make predictions about what is coming next.

Importance of text pattern recognition, continued

Memorization: Once you understand the organization of the

pattern, it’s much easier to store and recall what goes into which slots.

Writing: Once you become familiar with the patterns,

academic writing becomes more organized because you are following a format -- you are filling in the pieces to fit the pattern.

Closed Graphic Organizers

Strength: Great method of

teaching specific kinds of text structures

Supports provide initial structure as student learns which graphic organizers represent which ideas

Open Graphic Organizers

Strength: Allows broad

possibilities for interpersonal and intertextual connections

Great opportunity for collaboration as teams of students design appropriate organizational structures

Your task...

Using The Science of Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass Open to any section that interests

your team (you might want to skim for a minute before you choose)

Analyze text to determine structure Design appropriate representation --

you’ll have 15 minutes Present graphic organizer to group

The teams..

Groups of 4? Recorder Reporter Taskmaster/

Researcher Quartermaster/

Researcher