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 zText structure: yPattern organization used by writer to communicate ideas yWriters use more than one pattern in a single text -- sometimes multiple structures can be found on the same page z Graphic organizers: yPattern of organization used by reader to organize ideas yReader’s choice of graphic organizer depends on the purpose for reading, the question asked, or the problem to be solved

Attribute... z Topic is described by listing characteristics, features and examples z Cue words are for example and characteristics are z Also called ‘description’ or ‘list’

Sequence zItems are listed in numerical or chronological order zCue words include first, second, third, next, then and finally

Sequence, continued...

Compare and Contrast z Explains how two things are alike and/or different z Cue words include different, contrast, alike, same as, and on the other hand z Sometimes called a Venn diagram z Other forms: “T” or “Y” charts

Cause and Effect zList one or more causes and the resulting effect or effects zCue words include reasons why, if....then, as a result, therefore, and because

Problem/Solution z Problem is stated and one or more solutions listed z Cue words include problem is, dilemma is, puzzle is, solved, and question...answer z Also called “question and answer”, in which author poses question and then answers it

How these patterns mirror everyday thinking zWhat did I have for dinner last night? zWhat steps should I follow to send a text message? zHow are the NBA and the NFL alike? How are they different? z How is it that certain students do better on standardized tests than other kids, all other things being equal? z How can I get my students to become better readers and writers?

Importance of text pattern recognition for science... zComprehension: yIf you can follow the pattern, you can pick up the ideas and attach those concepts to their labels with greater efficiency and retention. zPrediction: yOnce 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 zMemorization: yOnce you understand the organization of the pattern, it’s much easier to store and recall what goes into which slots. zWriting: yOnce 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 zStrength: yGreat method of teaching specific kinds of text structures ySupports provide initial structure as student learns which graphic organizers represent which ideas

Open Graphic Organizers z Strength: yAllows broad possibilities for interpersonal and intertextual connections yGreat opportunity for collaboration as teams of students design appropriate organizational structures

Your task... zUsing The Science of Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass yOpen to any section that interests your team (you might want to skim for a minute before you choose) yAnalyze text to determine structure yDesign appropriate representation - - you’ll have 15 minutes yPresent graphic organizer to group

The teams.. z Groups of 4? yRecorder yReporter yTaskmaster/ Researcher yQuartermaster/ Researcher