Tiffany Christian

Word Study:
Developing Content Vocabulary
Alice in Quantumland
Author: Robert Gilmore

Summary of Book: This interesting spin on Alice in Wonderland follows Alice as she
experiences the interesting, complicated and often times confusing world of
Quantumland. Alice learns about numerous aspects of quantum physics right
from the source. Electrons explain particle physics and the concept of atomic
bonding, while the Classic Mechanic and the Quantum Mechanic debate
conflicting theories. The Uncertain Accountant attempts to balance the books
at the Heisenberg Energy Bank, and the State Agent shows Alice how to be
two places at once. Alice attends the Particle MASSquerade Ball as an
honorary particle and eventually finds herself at the Physics Phun Phair. This
wonderful, quark-y tale makes the convoluted subject matter of quantum
physics more accessible and a bit less intimidating.
Target Readers: 11th 12th graders
Reading Strategy: Word Study: Developing Content Vocabulary
Students are instructed to highlight key terms during the story. After the
reading is completed, students complete a graphic organizer (see example on
back) using the key terms they highlighted and other information that they
read. Students then indicate questions that they still have or pieces of
information that are confusing to them.
Modifications: Students could complete the activity individually, with partners, groups or
as a class. Reading can be done silently on their own or as a read aloud. Read
alouds could be pre-assigned or assigned in a popcorn manner where
students call out who they want to read next. Different graphic organizers
could be used depending on what vocabulary you want students to
understand from the reading.
Additional Activities: The book could be used throughout the year to introduce students
to new topics. Students could develop new adventures for Alice to go on.
Based on information they learn throughout the course they can write stories
or make illustrations depicting new encounters Alice makes.
Thematic Units, Topics, or Literature Units: This text specifically applies to the physical
science discipline and can be used on the topics of atomic structure, atomic
bonding, particle physics, radioactive decay, and interference.

Alike But Different

Protons

Neutrons

Electrons

What We Have In Common

What Makes Us Unique

Questions I still have:

I am confused by: