READ: Revealing the Dark – Vera Rubin – Graphic Biography

Vera Rubin’s observations revealed that our Universe is largely composed of matter we cannot see. Her work was met with skepticism, but she transformed astronomy.

The Graphic Biography below uses “Three Close Reads”. If you want to learn more about this strategy, click here.

Reading 1: Skimming for gist

This will be your quickest read. It should help you get the general idea of what the graphic biography will be about. Pay attention to the title, headings, images, and layout. Ask yourself: what is this graphic biography going to be about?

Reading 2: Understanding content

For this reading, you should be looking for unfamiliar vocabulary words, the major claim and key supporting details, and analysis and evidence. You should also spend some time looking at the images and the way in which the page is designed.

By the end of the second close read, you should be able to answer the following questions:

What does the portion of the comic involving bathroom doors tell you about Vera's experience as a scientist?
What does the comic mean by saying the Vera's most important observation was something we can't see?
What evidence did Vera use to uncover the existence of dark matter?
What does Vera mean in the quote at the top of the page: "We're out of kindergarten, but only in about third grade"?
How was the artist designed the page, text, and illustrations to tell you about Vera's observations and career?

Reading 3: Evaluating and Corroborating

In this read, you should use the graphic biography as evidence to support, extend, or challenge claims made in the course.

At the end of the third read, you should be able to respond to these questions:

What does this biography tell you about how our understanding of the Universe has changed? How did perceptions of Vera's observations change over time?

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to read! Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished reading.

Revealing the Dark: Vera Rubin (Graphic Biography)

Writer: Bennett Sherry

Artist: Kay Sohini

Vera Rubin’s observations revealed that our Universe is largely composed of matter we cannot see. Her work was met with skepticism, but she transformed astronomy.

Download the Graphic Biography PDF here or click on the image above.

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