Transcript The ABC’s of the Science Textbook

The ABC’s of the Science
Textbook
The Science Textbook
• Do you find yourself overwhelmed when
reading your science text?
• Is your textbook intimidating?
• Try these ABC’s of reading Science to
help you.
Before Reading
• Don’t just begin reading the first
paragraph.
• Think about what you already know about
the subject.
• Make predictions
• Make a plan for finding out information
“A” Set a Purpose
• Turn the title or main heading into a
question.
• Look to see if the first page includes a list
of objectives or goals.
• Set your purpose based on subheadings
or key terms listed on the first page.
“B”
Preview
• After you have determined your purpose,
preview the chapter.
• Get an idea of what you will be reading
before you begin.
• Look at the following “Preview Checklist”
for help as you glance over the pages.
Preview Checklist
•
•
•
•
•
•
The title
The first and last paragraph of the chapter
The headings
Any words set in bold type or repeated
Any boxed material
Any photos, charts, or pictures and their
captions
• The list of objectives and any review questions
“C”
Plan
• Stop and think about what you learned in
your preview.
• Make a list that includes what you learned
from boldface words, headings, photos,
captions, and first and last paragraphs.
You might also try Outlining!!
• Title of Outline
I. Main Topic
A. Sublevel
1. Topic
a. What you learned
b.
B.
II.
During Reading
• You have your purpose
• You have a strategy
• Now you need to go back and read this
section of the chapter
“D”
Read with a Purpose
• Now that you have previewed the
headings, you can create an effective
headline.
• Start your outline with the headings
• Go back and fill in the sublevels
• Now you give it a try! Just make a quick
sketch, don’t spend a lot of time.
Biology Textbook
Your outline could look like this:
Introduction: The Nature of Science and Biology
I. Biology
A. Biology: The Science of Our Lives
1. “The Study of Life”
2.
B. Science and the Scientific Method
1. objective, logical, and repeatable attempt to understand the
principles and forces operating in the natural universe
2.
II. Evolution
A. Development of the Theory of Evolution
1.
2.
B. Modern View of the Age of the Earth
1.
2.
(Be sure to leave space in your outline for additions)
“E”
Connect
• Try to find connections between your life
and what you are reading.
• This will help you remember.
After Reading
• As soon as you finish the chapter, sit back
and try to recall what you have learned.
• Use the headings in your Outline to help
you.
“F”
Pause and Reflect
• Do you understand what you have read?
• I’ll bet your answer is “no”. This is to be expected!
• Before you continue, answer these questions:




Did I accomplish the reading purpose I set in the
beginning?
Do I know what the main topics in the chapter
are?
Do I understand how the material is organized?
Would I feel comfortable taking a test on this
material now?
“G”
Reread
• To remember everything you have read
may be as simple as reviewing your
outline.
• For some, it may be beneficial to reread
the chapter.
• If you need more assistance, ask the
teacher to clarify questions you may have.
• Make study cards, this may help you
remember key parts of the chapter
“H”
Other
You may find creating a practice test will
help you remember what you have read.
References
• Burke, Jim. Readers Handbook: a student
guide for reading and learning.
Wilmington: Houghton Mifflin, p. 88-99.
• http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farab
ee/BIOBK/BioBookintro.html