Illustration of two biologists studying a bioluminscent forest
Art by James Yamasaki
Root Power,

Guardians of the Glow

Learn about the Greek root bio through a graphic-novel-style story.

By Natalie Hughes | Art by James Yamasaki
From the May 2025 Issue

Learning Objective: to use Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meanings of words  

Featured Skill: Vocabulary Acquisition,
Common Core Standards
  • Anchor Standards
    L.4
  • Grade 6
    L.6.4.a, b, c, d
  • Grade 7
    L.7.4.a, b, c, d
  • Grade 8
    L.8.4.a, b, c, d
TEKs standards
  • Grades 6, 7, 8
    2a, 2b, 2c

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Greek and Latin roots form the basis of many words in the English language. Knowing these roots empowers you to unlock the meanings of unfamiliar words. This story includes words with the Greek root bio, which means life.

Root Challenge

Directions:

1. Write down the meaning of each word in orange. Use context clues or, if needed, a dictionary.
2. Find another word that contains the root bio.
3. Write a sentence using that word and draw a picture that shows the word’s meaning.
4. Entries must be submitted to Root Power contest by a teacher, parent, or legal guardian.* Three winners will each get a Scope notebook.

*Entries must be written by a student in grades 4-12 and submitted by their teacher, parent, or legal guardian, who will be the entrant and must be a legal resident of the U.S. age 18 or older. See Contest Page for details.

This article was originally published in the May 2025 issue.

Audio ()
Activities (2)
Skill-Building Activities
Answer Key (1)
Audio ()
Activities (2)
Skill-Building Activities
Answer Key (1)
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

Close Reading, Critical Thinking, Skill Building

Download the Printable Version
Table of Contents

1. Prepare to Read

(2 minutes)

If students are unfamiliar with graphic novels, preview some basic graphic novel terminology and definitions:

panels: the square or rectangular boundaries that contain elements of the story

gutters: the space between panels, where the reader’s imagination connects the elements between two panels to create a flowing storyline

balloons: where spoken or narrated words and sound effects are contained

Have a volunteer read aloud the directions located beneath the story’s title. Then locate the words in orange in the story and read them aloud together.

2. Read and Discuss

(10 minutes)

Read the story once through as a class, then have students reread it independently. 

To check comprehension, have students write an objective summary on a sticky note.

Using their knowledge of affixes and roots along with context clues, students can turn and talk to a partner about their understanding of the meanings of the words in orange. 

3. Root Challenge

(25 minutes)

Have students take the Root Challenge at the bottom of the page in the printed magazine or at the bottom of the digital story page. Be sure to have digital or print dictionaries handy for students to verify their definitions. Optionally, have students complete this task using the Root Power activity found in your Resources tab at Scope Online. It contains a chart for recording definitions, an extra practice activity, and space to record their own bio words, sentences, and illustration. Sample definitions and answers can be found in the Answer Key, in the Resources tab at Scope Online.

Text-to-Speech