Student Resources—746

Interpret Scientific Illustrations As you
research a topic in science, you will see
drawings, diagrams, and photographs to
help you understand what you read. Some
illustrations are included to help you understand
an idea that you can’t see easily by
yourself, like the tiny particles in an atom in
Figure 2. A drawing helps many people to
remember details more easily and provides
examples that clarify difficult concepts or
give additional information about the topic
you are studying. Most illustrations have
labels or a caption to identify or to provide
more information.
Nucleus
Electrons
Neutron
Proton
Figure 2 This drawing shows an atom of carbon
with its six protons, six neutrons, and six electrons.
Concept Maps One way to organize data is
to draw a diagram that shows relationships
among ideas (or concepts). A concept map
can help make the meanings of ideas and
terms more clear, and help you understand
and remember what you are studying.
Concept maps are useful for breaking large
concepts down into smaller parts, making
learning easier.
Science Skill Handbook
Network Tree A type of concept map that
not only shows a relationship, but how the
concepts are related is a network tree, shown
in Figure 3. In a network tree, the words are
written in the ovals, while the description of
the type of relationship is written across the
connecting lines.
When constructing a network tree, write
down the topic and all major topics on separate
pieces of paper or notecards. Then
arrange them in order from general to specific.
Branch the related concepts from the
major concept and describe the relationship
on the connecting line. Continue to more
specific concepts until finished.
Definite
shape
Matter
is classified as
Solid Liquid Gas Plasma
has has has
no
Definite
volume
has
no
Definite
shape
has
Definite
volume
Definite
shape
Figure 3 A network tree shows how concepts or
objects are related.
Events Chain Another type of concept map
is an events chain. Sometimes called a flow
chart, it models the order or sequence of
items. An events chain can be used to
describe a sequence of events, the steps
in a procedure, or the stages of a process.
When making an events chain, first
find the one event that starts the chain.
This event is called the initiating event.
Then, find the next event and continue
until the outcome is reached, as shown
in Figure 4.
has
no
Definite
volume
is
found
in
The
stars
SCIENCE SKILL HANDBOOK 749
Science Skill Handbook