This module is for Grades: 6-8 Welcome

Writing about topics in science requires the use of both words and numbers.  Words convey what we call qualitative information – they describe a topic or the scientific findings about the topic.  Numbers give the reader important quantitative information to prove what the qualitative information is saying.  Both types of information are important for readers to have a full understanding of what is being said about the topic.

To be an effective reader in science, you must be able to read for, understand, and integrate both types of information.  Whenever you are given qualitative information about a science topic, you should look for the quantitative information that supports what is being said.  By reading for both types of details, you will have a more thorough understanding of the topic.  You will also be able to verify the details that you are reading and ensure that the source you are reading is reliable.

Module Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Read a scientific text for both quantitative and qualitative information.
  • Analyze a visual representation of information for important details.
  • Combine information from a text and a visual representation to form a full understanding of a topic.
student in science lab taking notes while looking through a microscope

Focus Standards

RST.6-8.7 - Integrate qualitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).

Skills

  • Qualitative/Quantitative