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A Message for Mankind

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Lesson Plan

A Message for Mankind

Students will be able to analyze *The Martian*'s social commentary on science, progress, and human nature, and formulate a thesis statement.

Understanding social commentary helps students critically evaluate literature and connect themes to real-world issues, developing analytical and argumentative skills.

Audience

10th Grade Students

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Through discussion and structured analysis, students will explore the novel's themes and prepare a thesis.

Materials

The Martian as Commentary Slides, Thesis Statement Workshop Worksheet, Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, and Student notebooks or scratch paper

Prep

Review Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-up: What is Progress?

5 minutes

  • Introduce the concept: Begin by asking students: "What does 'progress' mean to you? Is all progress good?" (2 minutes)
    - Quick Share: Have students briefly share their initial thoughts with a partner or the class. (3 minutes)

Step 2

Analyzing The Martian as Social Commentary

15 minutes

  • Introduce Social Commentary: Use The Martian as Commentary Slides to explain social commentary and how The Martian can be read through this lens. (5 minutes)
    - Guided Discussion: Lead a discussion using the slides, focusing on specific examples from the novel that reflect on science, humanity's drive, and our response to challenges. Encourage students to identify optimistic and pessimistic undertones. (10 minutes)

Step 3

Debate: Is the book optimistic about humanity?

10 minutes

  • Set up the Debate: Divide the class into two groups: one arguing The Martian is optimistic about humanity, and the other arguing it is not (or is cautiously optimistic/realistic). (2 minutes)
    - Mini-Debate: Facilitate a brief, structured debate. Encourage students to use evidence from the novel and the concepts discussed regarding scientific progress and human nature. (8 minutes)

Step 4

Formulating a Thesis Statement

5 minutes

  • Introduce Thesis Statement: Distribute the Thesis Statement Workshop Worksheet. Explain the purpose of a thesis statement in analytical writing. (1 minute)
    - Guided Practice: Guide students through the worksheet, helping them to draft a preliminary thesis statement based on the lesson's discussion and debate. Encourage them to focus on The Martian as social commentary. (4 minutes)
    - Assign Homework: Students will finalize their thesis statements for homework using the worksheet as a guide.
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Slide Deck

A Message for Mankind: The Martian as Social Commentary

How does a story about being stranded on Mars reflect on us?

Welcome students and introduce the day's focus: reading The Martian not just as a story, but as a message. Emphasize that we'll be looking for deeper meanings.

What is Social Commentary?

Literary analysis that critiques society, human nature, or cultural issues through a story.

  • Critique: Highlights flaws or problems.
  • Insight: Offers new perspectives.
  • Reflection: Holds a mirror up to our world.

Explain what social commentary is: using a story to criticize or offer insight into society, human nature, or systems. Ask students for examples from other books/movies they know.

Science & Progress: Our Greatest Hope?

How does The Martian portray our reliance on and pursuit of science?

  • Innovation vs. Risk: Watney's solutions, but also the initial accident.
  • Human Ingenuity: The drive to solve seemingly impossible problems.
  • Global Collaboration: The world uniting for a common scientific goal.

Discuss how the novel portrays scientific progress. Is it always positive? What are the challenges? Think about Mark Watney's ingenuity vs. the initial crisis.

Human Nature: Are We Good, Really?

What does the story suggest about humanity when faced with extreme challenges?

  • Resilience & Will to Survive: Mark Watney's determination.
  • Empathy & Sacrifice: The willingness of others to risk everything.
  • Collective Spirit: The world watching, hoping, and contributing.

Shift to human nature. Does the book show humanity at its best or worst? What motivates the characters? Discuss themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the instinct to help others.

Optimism or Caution?

Is The Martian ultimately an optimistic view of humanity, or does it offer a cautionary tale?

  • Optimistic: Shows our potential for greatness, problem-solving, and unity.
  • Cautious: Highlights the dangers of space, the fragility of life, and the cost of ambition.

Think: What's the takeaway for us here on Earth?

Guide students to think about the novel's overall tone. Is it a hopeful book, or does it carry a warning? Connect this to the debate. Ask: "What message do you think Andy Weir wants to send?"

Crafting Your Argument

Now that we've analyzed The Martian as social commentary, what is your main argument about the book's message?

  • Identify a claim: What specific point do you want to make?
  • Consider evidence: What examples from the book support your claim?
  • Formulate a thesis statement: A clear, concise statement of your argument.

Introduce the idea of forming an argument about the social commentary. This slide leads into the worksheet. Remind them that a strong thesis statement is the backbone of an essay.

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Worksheet

Thesis Statement Workshop: A Message for Mankind

Your Task:

Based on our discussion of The Martian as social commentary, you will formulate a clear and arguable thesis statement. Remember, a thesis statement presents your main argument about a topic.

Step 1: Reflect on the Social Commentary

Consider the various aspects of The Martian we discussed today. What message do you think author Andy Weir is trying to send about:

  1. Science and Progress: Is he hopeful, cautious, or critical? Give one example from the book that supports your idea.





  2. Human Nature: Does the book highlight humanity's best qualities (resilience, unity) or its flaws (self-interest, mistakes)? Give one example from the book that supports your idea.





  3. The Future: What does the outcome of the story suggest about humanity's future in space or on Earth?





Step 2: Brainstorm Your Argument

Now, combine your reflections into a central idea. What is the most important message about mankind that The Martian conveys through its social commentary? Circle or highlight key ideas you want to include.












Step 3: Draft Your Thesis Statement

Using your brainstorming, write a preliminary thesis statement. It should be one sentence that states your main argument about The Martian as social commentary. It should be arguable and specific.

Example Structure: In The Martian, Andy Weir uses [literary element/theme] to comment on [aspect of society/human nature] by [author's message/effect].

Your Draft (attempt 1):










Step 4: Refine Your Thesis Statement

Review your draft. Is it clear? Is it arguable? Does it directly address the social commentary of the novel? Make any necessary revisions.

Your Final Thesis Statement:










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A Message for Mankind • Lenny Learning