Chapter 16: Reading in the Natural Sciences

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Chapter 16 Reading in the Natural Sciences

• Academic Reading
• by Kathleen T. McWhorter
• (4th edition)

Powerpoint by Gretchen Starks-Martin St. Cloud
State University, Minnesota
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Learning Objectives

• To understand the scientific approach
• To develop specialized reading techniques for the
  sciences
• To learn to work with process, cause-and-effect,
  classification, and problem/solution patterns
• To adapt study strategies for the sciences

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The sciences focus on asking questions about our
physical and biological world and seeking answers
to those questions.
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Specialized Reading Techniques

• Preview Before Reading
• Adopt a Scientific Mind Set
• Learn Terminology and Notation
• Learn Symbols and Abbreviations
• Learn Everyday Words and Special Meanings

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Specialized Reading Techniques

• Read Section by Section
• Study Sample Problems
• Study and Draw Diagrams
• Brush Up on Math Skills

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Thought Patterns in the Natural Sciences

• Process
• Cause and Effect
• Classification
• Problem/Solution

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Thought Patterns in the Natural Sciences

• Process and Cause/Effect
• 1. List the steps.
• 2. Draw diagrams or maps.
• 3. Describe the process aloud.

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Thought Patterns in the Natural Sciences

• Classification
• Determine what is being classified.
• Look for a summary sentence.
• On what basis is the classification made?
• What characteristics do members of the group
  share?

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Thought Patterns in the Natural Sciences

• Problem/Solution
• 1. Read the problem and identify what is asked
  for.
• 2. Make a drawing of the problem.
• 3. State the principle of the problem.
• 4. Calculate the solution.
• 5. Analyze your answer.
• 6. Review your solution process.

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Adapting Your Study Techniques

• Complete reading assignments before attending
  lectures.
• Highlight your textbook selectively.
• Use outlining.
• Integrate your lab work with
  the text and lectures.

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Adapting Your Study Techniques

• Use chapter problems as guides.
• Develop a weekly study plan.
• Prepare for exams.
• Make lists of problems.
• Identify key laws and concepts.
• Determine emphasis of instructor.
• Prepare a practice test.
• Join a study group.

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If You Are Having Difficulty

• Use available resources.
• Make changes in your learning strategies.
• Learn from classmates.
• Double your study time.
• Purchase a review book or
  use the CD-ROM with the book.

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Summary Questions

• What are some specialized techniques for reading
  the natural sciences?
• What are the four thought patterns predominate in
  the sciences?
• What are some suggestions for adapting study
  techniques in the sciences?
• What can you do if you are having difficulty?

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Read the biology article and complete the
exercises following the selection.

• Death Stars and Dinosaurs The Great Extinctions