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Bringing Him Home

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Lesson Plan

Bringing Him Home

Students will be able to describe the resolution of the plot and analyze how Mark Watney has changed.

This lesson helps students understand how stories conclude and how characters develop, skills essential for literary analysis and understanding human resilience.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Students will read the resolution, discuss falling action and resolution, and complete a character analysis.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Vocabulary Review

5 minutes

  • Display key vocabulary words: Resolution, Falling Action, Character Arc, Growth (Slide 2 of The End of the Story Slides).
  • Ask students to quickly define each term in their own words or provide an example of how it relates to a story they know.
  • Briefly clarify any misconceptions and ensure common understanding before proceeding.
  • Transition to the next activity by explaining that today's lesson will focus on these concepts in The Martian.

Step 2

Reading the Resolution

10 minutes

  • Distribute copies of the final chapters/pages of The Martian to students (if not already read) or direct them to open their books/e-readers.
  • Instruct students to read the provided section, focusing on how the story concludes and what happens to Mark Watney (Slide 3 of The End of the Story Slides).
  • Encourage active reading by asking students to highlight or jot down notes on key events in the falling action and the final resolution.
  • After reading, briefly check for understanding: "What are the main events that lead to Watney's rescue?"

Step 3

Character Change Analysis

10 minutes

  • Project The End of the Story Slides starting from the slide on Character Arc (Slide 4).
  • Facilitate a brief discussion about 'Character Arc' and 'Growth' and how it applies to Mark Watney. Ask:
    • "How was Mark Watney at the beginning of the story when he was stranded? What were his initial feelings, attitudes, and challenges?"
    • "How is Mark Watney different after his rescue? What new traits or perspectives has he gained?"
  • Guide students to identify specific examples from the text to support their observations about his transformation.

Step 4

Then-and-Now Comparison

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Watney: Then and Now Worksheet.
  • Explain that students will use the worksheet to compare and contrast Mark Watney's character at the beginning of the story versus after his rescue.
  • Instruct them to use specific textual evidence to support their points.
  • Circulate around the room to provide assistance and encourage deeper analysis.
  • Conclude the lesson by collecting the worksheets or assigning them for homework if not completed.
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Slide Deck

The End of the Story: Bringing Watney Home

Understanding Resolution and Character Change in The Martian – Today, we’ll explore how Mark Watney’s incredible journey concludes and how his experiences have shaped him forever. Get ready to dive into the final moments of his Martian adventure and analyze the ultimate transformation of our favorite botanist!

Welcome students and introduce the lesson's focus: how Mark Watney's journey concludes and how he has changed. Remind them that they are nearing the end of 'The Martian'.

Key Story Concepts

What do these words mean to you?

  • Resolution: The conclusion of the story, where conflicts are resolved.
  • Falling Action: The events after the climax that lead to the resolution.
  • Character Arc: The transformation or journey of a character throughout a story.
  • Growth: The positive development or learning a character undergoes.

Think about how these might apply to Mark Watney's journey on Mars!

Display these terms. Ask students to share their initial thoughts or definitions for each. Facilitate a brief discussion to ensure everyone has a basic understanding before applying them to the story.

Reading the Final Chapters

Let's read the conclusion of Mark Watney’s incredible story!

As you read, focus on:

  • Key events leading to his rescue.
  • How conflicts are resolved.
  • What happens to Mark Watney in the very end.

Take notes on important details about the falling action and the resolution!

Direct students to the relevant pages in their books or digital copies. Emphasize active reading and note-taking. After a few minutes, ask them what they noticed about the events leading to and including his rescue.

Watney's Transformation: Then and Now

How has Mark Watney changed from the beginning of his ordeal to his rescue?

  • Before Rescue: What was he like? (e.g., resourceful, isolated, scientific, determined)
  • After Rescue: How is he different? (e.g., reflective, still humorous, grateful, a survivor)

Think about:

  • His attitudes and feelings.
  • His perspective on life.
  • What he learned about himself and humanity.

Initiate a discussion about Mark Watney's journey. Prompt students to consider his personality, skills, and emotional state at the beginning of the book compared to the end. Ask for specific examples from the text to support their claims. Guide them towards seeing his evolution.

Putting It All Together: Your Turn!

Now, let’s use the Watney: Then and Now Worksheet to organize your thoughts and insights!

On your worksheet:

  • Compare Mark Watney at the beginning of the story to Mark Watney after his rescue.
  • Provide specific examples and evidence from the text to support your ideas.

Be prepared to share your findings!

Introduce the worksheet as a way to formalize their character analysis. Explain that they will be comparing and contrasting Watney's character at different points in the story. Collect the worksheets for assessment or as a check for understanding.

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Worksheet

Watney: Then and Now

Name: _________________________

Date: _________________________

Part 1: Mark Watney at the Beginning

Describe Mark Watney's character, mindset, and circumstances at the beginning of his time stranded on Mars. What were his initial challenges, and how did he respond to them? Provide at least two specific examples from the early parts of the story.













Part 2: Mark Watney After the Rescue

Describe Mark Watney's character, mindset, and circumstances after his rescue and return to Earth. How has he changed? What new perspectives or traits does he exhibit? Provide at least two specific examples from the resolution of the story.













Part 3: Comparing the Two Watneys

In what significant ways has Mark Watney grown or transformed throughout his ordeal? Use the concepts of character arc and growth in your explanation. How do his experiences on Mars contribute to these changes?













Part 4: Key Vocabulary Check

Briefly define the following terms in your own words, relating them to The Martian if possible.

  1. Resolution:


  2. Falling Action:


  3. Character Arc:


  4. Growth:


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lenny

Lesson Plan

Bringing Him Home

Students will be able to describe the resolution of the plot and analyze how Mark Watney has changed.

This lesson helps students understand how stories conclude and how characters develop, skills essential for literary analysis and understanding human resilience.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Students will read the resolution, discuss falling action and resolution, and complete a character analysis.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Vocabulary Review

5 minutes

  • Display key vocabulary words: Resolution, Falling Action, Character Arc, Growth.
  • Ask students to quickly define each term in their own words or provide an example of how it relates to a story they know.
  • Briefly clarify any misconceptions and ensure common understanding before proceeding.
  • Transition to the next activity by explaining that today's lesson will focus on these concepts in The Martian.

Step 2

Reading the Resolution

10 minutes

  • Distribute copies of the final chapters/pages of The Martian to students (if not already read).
  • Instruct students to read the provided section, focusing on how the story concludes and what happens to Mark Watney.
  • Encourage active reading by asking students to highlight or jot down notes on key events in the falling action and the final resolution.
  • After reading, briefly check for understanding: "What are the main events that lead to Watney's rescue?"

Step 3

Character Change Analysis

10 minutes

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