English/Language Arts
Explore definitions
Writing definitions is an exercise in comprehension. You cannot write a good one unless you really understand the thing you are attempting to define. Have students take a close look at some of the techniques used by Author Patent. Notice how she uses a quotation from a professional organization, NASA, to begin her first definition. Have students dissect how she accomplishes defining these words and phrases and keeping it interesting, then challenge them to do the same with some of their content specific vocabulary terms.
Explore nonfiction text features (text effects)
This Minute utilizes both italics and bold text effects on some of the words in the Minute. Have students look at where the effects are used and figure out the justification for using the text effect. See if they can find other writing that uses these effects and compare. Is the purpose the same? Work toward developing a class set of “rules” or “guidelines” for using nonfiction text features as students encounter them.
Explore text structure - compare/contrast
While this Minute is very much a descriptive text, there is also a component of compare/contrast as the author differentiates between three related scientific concepts. Have students tease out the similarities and differences between the three terms to figure out what Author Patent used as her focus for comparison.
STEM
Explore measurement - Keeling curve
Author Patent mentions the Keeling Curve that is a result of temperature readings taken over time. Have students take a closer look at the graph on this site. Note that they can look at it over a week, a month, six months, and longer periods. Have them compare the results over time and develop a reasonable inference given the data. Brainstorm other ways we might consider testing for the quantity and change in greenhouse gas over time.
Research Skills
Explore graphic organizers - Venn diagrams
Whenever you are comparing and contrasting things, a Venn diagram makes sense. Have younger students use the information in this Minute to fill out a Venn diagram. For a more challenging activity, ask students to determine the best way to graphically display their information, and justify their choice. They can use a graphic organizer maker or use Canva (used to create this Minute's graphic) to explore the best way to display their information.
Explore definitions
Writing definitions is an exercise in comprehension. You cannot write a good one unless you really understand the thing you are attempting to define. Have students take a close look at some of the techniques used by Author Patent. Notice how she uses a quotation from a professional organization, NASA, to begin her first definition. Have students dissect how she accomplishes defining these words and phrases and keeping it interesting, then challenge them to do the same with some of their content specific vocabulary terms.
Explore nonfiction text features (text effects)
This Minute utilizes both italics and bold text effects on some of the words in the Minute. Have students look at where the effects are used and figure out the justification for using the text effect. See if they can find other writing that uses these effects and compare. Is the purpose the same? Work toward developing a class set of “rules” or “guidelines” for using nonfiction text features as students encounter them.
Explore text structure - compare/contrast
While this Minute is very much a descriptive text, there is also a component of compare/contrast as the author differentiates between three related scientific concepts. Have students tease out the similarities and differences between the three terms to figure out what Author Patent used as her focus for comparison.
STEM
Explore measurement - Keeling curve
Author Patent mentions the Keeling Curve that is a result of temperature readings taken over time. Have students take a closer look at the graph on this site. Note that they can look at it over a week, a month, six months, and longer periods. Have them compare the results over time and develop a reasonable inference given the data. Brainstorm other ways we might consider testing for the quantity and change in greenhouse gas over time.
Research Skills
Explore graphic organizers - Venn diagrams
Whenever you are comparing and contrasting things, a Venn diagram makes sense. Have younger students use the information in this Minute to fill out a Venn diagram. For a more challenging activity, ask students to determine the best way to graphically display their information, and justify their choice. They can use a graphic organizer maker or use Canva (used to create this Minute's graphic) to explore the best way to display their information.
© Karen Sterling, 2018 - May be used for educational purposes without written permission