invention - an original device, system, or process

experiment - a test to find out or prove something

laboratory - a place where scientists work and do experiments

genius - extraordinary intellectual power, especially seen in creative ability

gadget - a small, useful machine or device

electric - powered by electricity, a form of energy caused by the motion of electrons and protons

signal - a sound, motion, or other sign that sends a message

occasional - happening from time to time

Vocabulary Strategy: Shades of Meaning

Even words with very similar meanings can mean different things depending on how they are used. These differences are called Shades of Meaning.

Example:

Edison suspected he could improve the telegraph. Edison believed he could improve the telegraph.

Phonics Skills: Words with au, aw, al, o

Comprehension Skills: Main ideas and details

The most important ideas in a text are the main ideas. Authors use main ideas to organize the information in a text. Authors use details to support the main ideas. In a biography, the details will add more information about a person's life.

Comprehension Strategy: Summarize -- tell the important parts of the text in your own words