Activity:
Word Science!
Fellow name: Gloria C. Preza
Title of Lesson: The Language of Science
http://www.nisd.net/instruction/secondary/science/images/dept-logo.jpg
School: Emerson Middle School
Grade Level: 5-12 (implemented in 6th grade)
Subject Area(s): General Science, English
Summary
Scientific vocabulary is a potpourri of small words that are linked together to make up
different meanings. Students often times find it difficult to understand science words
because they are hard to read, spell and write. This activity will familiarize students with
common roots, prefixes and suffixes used in scientific words. Specifically, it helps students
make inferences about the meaning of scientific and medical terminology. Learning the
meanings of the smaller words may facilitate the understanding of scientific and medical
vocabulary.
Time Required
45 minutes
Keywords
Scientific root words, prefix, suffix
Learning Objectives
After this lesson, students should be able to:
Identify common prefixes, suffixes and roots used in scientific and medical terminology.
Infer the meaning of complex scientific and medical words.
Introduction / Motivation
Start of by asking the students if they ever thought science was hard because of the hard
words that are used? Some may say yes or no. Then ask if anyone knows where the word
science comes from. The word science is derived from the Latin word “scientia” which
means knowledge, as science is a system of gaining knowledge that is acquired by many
scientific processes. Next you can name some roots, suffixes or prefixes, such as, micro,
hydro, hypo etc. Now tell the students that they are going to try and dissect the meaning of
the following word. Write this word on the board:
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
What on earth does this mean?
Break it down:
Pneumo: lungs
Ultra: beyond
Microscopic: small
Silico: silicone
Volcano: fire mountain
Coniosis: disease state caused by inhalation of dust
Definition: disease caused by the inhalation into the lungs of extremely small or fine
volcanic silicone dust particles
You can dissect more words, or you can break up the kids into groups and give them a hand
out. The handout will have the most common roots, prefixes and suffixes. You can go over
the handout and then have the students work on the handout. When each group is done,
pass out the word cards to each team. The students will now attempt to make a word using
the cards. Tell them it’s a competition, each team will have a chance to write their word
down on the board and present it to the class. The class will have a chance to dissect the
word. The instructors should choose a winning word.
Lesson Background & Concepts for Teachers
The teachers should go over some basic roots, prefixes and suffixes prior to this
activity. Expand to using scientific root words.
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0907017.html has a brief overview of Latin and
Greek elements. Basically, this activity should just build on previous and basic vocabulary
skills that students should have acquired from previous knowledge.
Vocabulary / Definitions
Word
Definition
prefix
one or more letters or syllables added to the beginning of a word to
modify its meaning, (Wiktionary)
Root word
a word with no prefix or suffix added; may also be referred to as a base
word (http://www.atozphonics.com/phonicsdefinition.html)
science
(from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge") a system of gaining
knowledge that is acquired by many scientific processes.
suffix
one or more letters or sounds added at the end of a word to modify the
word's meaning, (Wiktionary)
Associated Activities
Word Science Handout
Create Your Own Science Word Cards: Instructor should print the cards front and back.
The word is on one side and the meaning on back.
References
1.
The Language of Science [Internet]. [cited 2010 May 13];Available from:
http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/language.html
2. Dictionary online [Internet]. [cited 2010 May 23]; Available from:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
3. Fact Monster [Internet]. [cited 2010 May]: Available from:
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0907017.html
Attachments
Word Science Handout: “Make your own science word”
Word Science Game cards
Educational Standards
CA English Standard: Grade 5
1.0 Written and Oral English Language Conventions
1.5 Spell roots, suffixes, prefixes, contractions, and syllable constructions correctly.
CA English Standard: Grades 11-12
1.0 Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development
1.2 Apply knowledge of Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon roots and affixes to draw inferences
concerning the meaning of scientific and mathematical terminology.
Owner
Gloria C. Preza, GK-12 Fellow, UCLA
Contributors
Cecily Cruz, Emerson Middle School Honors English Teacher