Jurassic Park Vocabulary, Iterations 1 & 2

Introduction

In order to understand the science and the ethics in the novel, Jurassic Park, students will have to understand the vocabulary Crichton uses. In particular, four initial concepts must be explored: patterns, fractals, iteration, and biotechnology. The students will analyze Latin roots of these four words and define them. They then will explore the use of these concepts in the course of the novel through Ian Malcolm's statements and through the use of journals or reading logs.

Objectives

• To explore the etymology of key words in the novel;
• To understand the author's thesis development;
• To establish a connection between math, science, language and ethics as the novel unfolds. Students will use their understanding of language, history, math, and science while they do the series of exercises.

Class Time

The vocabulary assignment could be done as homework or if dictionaries are available, in the classroom. The Jurassic Park Iterations and reading logs can be assigned as an on- going activity as the students are progressing through the reading of the novel.

Materials

• dictionaries
• Jurassic Park books
• journals/reading logs

Procedures

• Give out the Jurassic Park Vocabulary student sheet; go over instructions and assign it for homework or for a class assignment.
• Go over the definitions with the students.
• Assign the Iterations student sheets and give the students your time-line for completing these activities as they read the novel.