The Biotechnology Scale

Overview

Recommended Year Level: Year 8                                                                                                                                                   Required Knowledge: Little                                                                                                                                                                    Duration: 2 x 50 minute lessons

Learning is based on language; to be able to read and write sentences and use scientific words in context and with meaning is the basis of learning about science.

Science teaching is full of specialised language, and students need support in mastering it.

There are numerous strategies to support students in acquiring the specialist science language. All of the exercises in Activity 1 are based on exploring language. In particular, encouraging students to establish and maintain a vocabulary self-awareness chart is an important literacy strategy that will help them develop an understanding of the meaning of important words used in science, and their application.

In the following exercise students have the opportunity to read about biotechnology. Reading the articles aloud to students and pausing to explain or discuss certain words in the text is a successful technique used by teachers. The Taking charge of your reading tables that accompany the readings are useful in supporting independent practice in reading and analysing text.

The articles have been specifically written for students. The readability is at a year 8 level (Flesch-Kincaid grade level test). However, the nature of scientific language makes it difficult to write at the appropriate level, and students will need support in understanding the language provided.

An excellent reference is Grant, MC and Fisher, D (2010) Reading and Writing in Science, Corwin, California.

The second exercise introduces them to the different applications of biotechnology that have influenced the production of wheat.

See Also

• Biotechnology Reading
• Investigating Wheat
• The Nanotechnology Scale