Find Out About Phineas
Directions: To get to know our next great read, see what you can find out about Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but
True Story About Brain Science. Answer with complete sentences.
1. Examining only the front and back covers, what do you think this non-fiction book is
about?___________________________________________________________________
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2. Summarize the passage on the inside front cover.
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3. Which book review on the inside back cover peaks your interest the most?
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4. Tell me something about the author.
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5. Who took the photograph on the back cover?
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6. Name someone thanked in the acknowledgements section. Tell why he or she was thanked.
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7. Look in the glossary. What is a tamping iron?
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8. According to Phineas Gage, what is the best website for kids who want to learn more about brain science?
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9. Why do you think the photo on page 12 is included in a book about brain science?
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10. Look in the Index to find the first page number listed for “Tamping iron pathway through head of.” Turn to
that page. Look at the illustration. Describe the path of the iron bar as it passed through the skull.
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11. After locating “Streptococci bacteria” and “Staphylococci bacteria,” in the index, use the page numbers
listed to find two facts about each type of bacteria. Cite your sources!
a. _____________________________________________________________________
b. _____________________________________________________________________
c. _____________________________________________________________________
d. _____________________________________________________________________
12. Looking at the ceramic figure on page 41, what does the creator of the figure believe?
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13. Write a bibliography entry for Phineas Gage.
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14. What would you like to know before reading Phineas Gage? Write two questions.
a.______________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________