Newton and Copernicus: Lesson #7
1: How does Copernicus react to Newton’s return? What do you think occurs that causes
Copernicus to change from sad to surprised, and then to annoyed?
2: The dialog for these panels is in the chart below. Write the lines into the speech
bubbles in the order they belong. Use background information to help you decide.
A Newton and Copernicus Companion: Copyright August 2007, J.C. Olson.
Newton and Copernicus: Lesson #7
VOCABULARY: gag (the joke, twist, or punch line of a comic strip)
LESSON GUIDE:
Before starting the exercise, have students fold back the chart along the dotted
line so they are only looking at the pictures to gather information.
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A: Students study the panels and try to evaluate what is happening. (V)
B: Pair/Share: Give students time to discuss with a partner what they think is going
on. (A)
C: Allow students to share aloud ideas with the class.
D: Have students individually respond to question number 1.
E: Have the students fold the chart forward. Students should then read aloud the
dialog with their partners and come to a decision as to where the dialog best fits in
with the pictures.
F: Students individually write the dialog into the speech bubbles.
Answers for 1-2
1: Answers will vary. Newton’s eyes look like an X in panels 2 and 3, so Copernicus
assumes he is dead. Newton wakes up and there is some discussion. In panel 5,
Copernicus is standing on Newton’s tail, which is the “gag” for this cartoon.
2: Original solution (If students can reasonably argue a different sequence, accept
that answer.)
A Newton and Copernicus Companion: Copyright August 2007, J.C. Olson.