Standard: 6-8.RST.7 – Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).
Grade level: Grade 6-8
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Science & Technical Subjects
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the integration of quantitative or technical information expressed in text with visual representations. It is crucial as it helps students develop the ability to understand and interpret complex information, a skill that is fundamental in both academic and real-world contexts. Students should be comfortable with basic graph and chart interpretation and have experience reading and understanding technical texts.
Students will develop advanced skills in synthesizing information from multiple formats, preparing them for more complex tasks in higher education and various professional fields.
Common Misconception 1
Some students may think that visual aids are merely decorative and do not contribute to understanding the text. This is incorrect because visual aids are designed to complement and clarify the written information, often making complex data more accessible.
Intervention 1
Utilize exercises that require students to match information from the text with its corresponding visual representation, reinforcing the idea that both elements are interdependent.
Common Misconception 2
Another common misconception is that all visual representations are straightforward and do not require interpretation. This is incorrect as many visual aids contain layers of information that need to be analyzed and understood in the context of the text.
Intervention 2
Implement activities where students must explain visual data in their own words and relate it back to the text, fostering a deeper understanding of how to interpret visual information.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of how to interpret simple graphs, charts, and diagrams. They should also be comfortable with reading and comprehending technical texts and have foundational skills in identifying key information in written material.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to critically evaluate and synthesize information from multiple formats, enhancing their ability to understand complex scientific and technical texts. They will be better prepared for advanced studies in science and technical subjects, where integrating various forms of data is crucial.
Instructional Activities
- Create a flowchart based on a process described in a technical text.
- Interpret data from a graph and write a summary of the findings.
- Design a diagram to explain a complex concept from a scientific article.
- Construct a model to visualize a technical process described in a manual.
- Compare and contrast information presented in a table with the corresponding text.
