The language of Science

Have you ever considered that Science is a language? This requires explicit learning of highly specialised vocabulary, a routine use of writing in the third person and the use of nominalisation which is a grammatical technique which forms nouns from other word groups like verbs and adjectives. This is frequently needed to describe scientific processes.

All vocabulary can be classified as either tier 1 (basic/common words), tier 2 (academic command words) or tier 3 (domain/subject specific words). Note the significant size difference between tier 1 and tier 3 words. 

Students also need to be aware of context and how the same word can have different meanings. Think about the word 'period'.

• In Biology this can mean a common word to describe the period of time when a biological woman sheds her uterus lining. 
• In Chemistry this can mean a horizontal row of elements.
• In English this can mean a full stop and the end of sentence.
• In Physics this can mean a portion of time.

Common tier 2 command words and supported visual aids that are used frequently in Exams are shown below.

So how can we learn more and increase our vocabulary? Try these effective strategies.

Do you need an approach to building up words using prefixes, word roots and suffixes? This strategy is very effective and builds confidence in being able to write more descriptively.

Ever wondered about the origins of a word? This is a useful site to find out.

New displays of common scientific word roots have been placed in all Science labs at the Bluff Road campus, and in the Senior Biology lab at the Holloway Road campus. 

Further displays surrounding common scientific report phrases used in writing practical reports and posters will be added over the coming months to further support students retaining these words and phrases and to improve the quality of their academic writing.  

A huge thank you to Ellyse Noy, one of our Science technicians for making these wonderful displays come to life.