Newton and Copernicus

Name: Date: Period/Class:

Newton and Copernicus: Lesson #20

1: How long have the rats been out and about? (Think about previous lesson)

2: What does Newton have to say about life in a cage?

3: Write something different that Newton could have said in panel one that still fits with the strip.

4: In the context of this strip, what is the difference between “free” and “loose”?

5: What is a tyrant, and why does Copernicus react so vehemently? What background information tells you he is angry?

A Newton and Copernicus Companion: Copyright August 2007, J.C. Olson. Newton and Copernicus: Lesson #20

LESSON GUIDE: Vocabulary: context, technically, tyrant, vehemently, furrowed eyebrows

 A: Have students read the text silently and carefully observe the background of the drawing to look for supporting information. (V)  B: Have students read through the questions and circle the number of each question they feel they would be able to respond to.  Pair/Share.  C: Give each student about half a minute to explain to their partner what they think is happening based on what they see and read. (A)  D: The pair discusses questions 1-5, then each student draws a box around the number (or circled number) of each question they would be able to respond to.  E: Select sets of volunteers to act out the strip in front of the class. (K)  F: Students individually write out their responses to questions 1-5.  G: Select volunteers to act out the strip again, this time substituting their words for Newton’s in panel 1.

Answers for 1-5 1: The just now stepped out of the cage. 2: “It gets a bit dull” 3: Answers will vary. (should be related to theme of being locked up) 4: Free means no one is controlling them or telling them what to do. Loose means they aren’t currently locked up in their cage. 5: A tyrant is a ruler who has complete control, power and authority. Copernicus reacts vehemently, because he feels it is unjust for the people in the lab to have control over his life. You can tell he is angry by the following:  The bold print and thick bubble when he shouts, “THE TYRANTS”  Shaking his fist  Tail twitching  Eyebrows furrowed