Strategy # 4

Defining Format for Clarity

ZENY Q. KARGANILLA
Bacnotan National High School,
Bacnotan, LU
What is defining format?
A three-part format to define
a science term that consists of
•the question,
•the category, and
•the characteristics.
What is defining format?

•Shows learners how to explain

the detailed and precise
meanings of the major terms
they use to communicate their
understanding of Science
What is defining format?

•It is the link between

vocabulary and fluency
Random House, 2001
Defining format provides a template for
✔Asking questions related to science
terms

✔ Categorizing science terms

✔ Adding details to expand
science knowledge
✔ Writing clear science sentences
Possible classroom uses
• Assessment purposes-diagnostic,
formative or summative
• Beginning writing exercises – students
can learn how to clarify their thinking
before setting out to more complex
writing sessions
Workshop outcomes

In this workshop, you must have

•Categorized words in your Taxonomy
•Defined your words by using a
specific format
Workshop objectives
You should be able to:
• Assess how well you know the connections
between and among the words in your
Taxonomy;
• Categorize words in your Taxonomy;
• Choose a term in your category; and
• Define your term by using the given format.
Workshop Instructions
A. Categorizing words
• Take your Taxonomy and examine the words
written on it
• Group together related words in the Taxonomy
• Label each group of words with a category
name
EXAMPLE OF CATEGORIZATION
Terms
Phase Evaporation, condensation,
changes melting, freezing,
sublimation
elements Metals, non-metals,
metalloids, acid, base, salt,
atom, molecules

State of Solid, liquid, gas, changes,

matter Particles, molecules,
Workshop Instructions
B. Defining terms
• Choose a term from your list of
categories
• Define your chosen term
1. Ask a question about the term on the first
column
2. Write the first part of the response directly
below it.
Workshop Instructions

3. Write the name of the category, followed

by the word that on the second column
4. Write the characteristics of the term on the
third column
5. Present your group output.
 Example 1
Question Category Characteristics
What is a solid?
A solid is a state of 1. has a definite shape and volume
matter that
2. has particles which are tightly
packed together
3. has high density compared to liquid
and gas
 Example 1
Question Category Characteristics
1. What is a mitochondrion?
A mitochondrion An organelle 1. it is the powerhouse of
is present in the cell
cells. 2. It produces energy in the
form of ATP
2. What is a
chloroplast?

3. What is a
cytoplasm?

4. What is a
lysosome?
Example 1
Question Category Characteristics

4. has strong
intermolecular
forces

5. has a short
intermolecular
distance.
 Example 2
Question Category Characteristics
What is an inner core?
An inner core a sublayer 1. 5,150 km below the
is of the earth’s surface
earth’s core
that is
2. 2200 km thick

3. made up of solid
iron and nickel
Discussion

• Were the categories created appropriate

and the entries correct?
• Were the definitions correct and
substantial?
Discussion

• Were the categories created appropriate

and the entries correct?
• Were the definitions correct and
substantial?
• What are your suggestions to improve
the group’s work?
• Can a category contain subcategories?
Discussion

• Were the categories created appropriate

and the entries correct?
• Were the definitions correct and
substantial?
• What are your suggestions to improve
the group’s work?
• Can a category contain subcategories?