Communicating

This is a graphic that says Evaluate the reliability of data from inquiries, and of information from research sources, and analyse the data or information to identify patterns and relationships and draw and justify conclusions.

Communicate Ideas, Procedures, and Results in a Variety of Forms

You can communicate your ideas throughout this course by using good, detailed connections.

Strong, higher level linking words: are dynamic, illustrate cause and effect, show some analysis of relationships, e.g. leads to, influences, reduces. Weak lower level linking words: are passive, are descriptive, end up being repetitive, e.g. includes, are made of, have, with, and.

Online Discussions

If you’re responding to a classmate’s work, remember that communicating online is sometimes different from talking to someone in person. Here are some tips to participating in online class discussions.

Netiquette

Long Description

Participation and Feedback in Discussions

The following graphic offers some guidelines to help make your responses in discussions more effective.

Accountable Talk Protocols. Listen - Pay attention to the statements and ideas of others. Summarize - Restate the ideas of a previous speaker in new language. Build - Add to the statement or contributions of a previous speaker. Mark - Direct attention to the importance of another’s statement. Verify - Check your understanding of previous statements and knowledge. Unpack - Explain how you arrived at your answer. Support - Give examples and evidence to support your answer. Link - Point out the relationships among previous statements and knowledge. Defend - Defend your reasoning against a different point of view. Challenge - Ask a previous speaker to explain and provide evidence for a statement. Combine - Incorporate knowledge from multiple resources to form your ideas. Predict - Draw conclusions about what might happen next, or as a result of ideas.

Graphic Organizers

Venn Diagram

Many concepts in Biology have similar sounding names but different definitions. Others concepts are similar in terms of a common concept but have different details. A good way to show similarities and differences can be to use a Venn diagram.

Frayer Model Diagram

An example of a Frayer Model diagram is below.

This is a sample Frayer model. The page is a 2 by 2 table with another smaller square in the middle. The top two squares are labelled Definition and Facts/Characteristics and the bottom two squares are labelled Examples and Non-Examples. The middle square has no label and is meant for a title.

T-Chart

These charts are useful when comparing two related concepts or determining the pros and cons of an issue.

Read this article, How to Make a "T" Chart from WikiHow (Original article)

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Concept Mapping

Concept mapping is a great way to show many details, how they’re connected together, and your level of understanding of them. Read the article, An Introduction to Concept Mapping.

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This video will walk you through the concept mapping process.

Fishbone Diagram

In some instances, a change can be caused by multiple factors. A good way of organizing this information is called a Fishbone diagram. This type of graphic organizer is also useful for identifying the causes of a problem as part of a problem solving process.

Below is an example of a Fishbone diagram.

This is a sample fishbone graphic organizer.

Double Bubble

When comparing two processes with multiple similar concepts it’s often useful to organize similarities and differences in a Double Bubble diagram.

Discussion Web

The discussion web organizer prompts you to consider and present information on both sides of your chosen issue.

Identify the issue you are examining in the centre of the organizer. It is easier to identify advantages and disadvantages if you can state your issue as a question.
On the right side of the organizer list advantages, or “pros”, for this issue and make sure to support each advantage with specific evidence or details that further explain your reasoning.
On the left side of the organizer list the disadvantages, or “cons”, you see and once again support your thinking with specific evidence and/or details that explain your reasoning.
Once you have considered both sides of the issue, the box labelled “conclusion” allows you to share your opinion on this issue using facts from both sides.

Below are two examples of a discussion web organizer.

Use Appropriate Formats to Communicate Results

Lab Reports

Use this guide, Science Laboratory Report Outline, to help you to complete a full lab report.

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Guidelines for Making a Data Table

(modified WGBH Education Foundation)

In most cases, the independent variable (that which you purposefully change) is in the left column, the dependent variable (that which you measure) with the different trials is in the next columns, and the derived or calculated column (often average) is on the far right.

Your title should clearly state the purpose of the experiment (e.g., The effect of ____ (independent variable) on ______ (dependent variable).

This is a table with five columns. The first column is Independent Variable (unit), next is Dependent Variable (unit), last is Derived Quantity (unit.) The second, third and fourth columns are further divided into Trial 1, Trial 2 and Trial 3.

This is a table with five columns. The first column is Substance, next is pH, last is Average pH. The second, third and fourth columns are further divided into Trial 1, Trial 2 and Trial 3. For Lemon Juice the trial pHs are 2.4, 2.0, 2.2 and the average is 2.2. For Baking Soda, the trial pHs are 8.4, 8.3, 8.7 and the average is 8.5. For Orange Juice, the trial phs are 3.5, 4.0, 3.4 and the average is 3.6.

Graphing

Using a graph to show your results is a good way to quickly identify patterns in your data. You can use graph paper, Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, or an online graphing source like NCES Create a Graph shown below.

Look over these instructions to make your graphs effective tools for communicating your findings. Read the following article, Scientific Graphing.

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Biological Drawings

Biology labs often require you to create a biological drawing of the specimen you are observing.

This is a drawing of a human cheek cell with four parts labelled.

There are some basic rules that must be followed when creating these diagrams.

	Checklist Items
	Ensure the appropriate title is at the top of the page.
	Your diagram must be done in pencil on plain, unlined paper.
	You should have created a large, clear drawing. Have you used most of the space available?
	Your diagram must represent what was observed.
	The label lines must be drawn with a ruler and must be parallel where possible.
	Your labels line up in a column on the right hand side.
	Stipples (dots) are used to show contrast. No shading!
	Approximate magnification is in the lower, right corner.
	Your labels are neat with accurate spelling.