Lesson Plan
Houston, We Have a Solution
Students will be able to summarize the key plot points and challenges Mark Watney has overcome so far in "The Martian."
Understanding plot progression and character challenges helps students develop stronger reading comprehension and critical thinking skills, preparing them to analyze complex narratives.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Through guided reading, discussion, and an interactive quiz.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers/pens, Handouts of the chosen text from "The Martian" (if not digital), Plot Diagram Slide Deck, Comprehension Questions Quiz, Vocabulary Warm-up Game, and Exit Ticket Summary
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the selected chapters/sections of "The Martian" focusing on key plot points and challenges.
- Prepare physical copies of the text if not using digital versions.
- Review the Plot Diagram Slide Deck and ensure all slides are in order.
- Print copies of the Comprehension Questions Quiz or prepare for digital distribution.
- Review the Vocabulary Warm-up Game rules and ensure necessary materials are ready.
- Prepare copies of the Exit Ticket Summary or instruct students on how to submit digitally.
- Review all generated materials as needed for content and flow.
Step 1
Vocabulary Warm-up Game
5 minutes
- Begin with the Vocabulary Warm-up Game to activate prior knowledge and introduce key terms related to the story and plot.
- Explain the rules of the game and facilitate student participation.
- Briefly review any challenging vocabulary words after the game.
Step 2
Reading Comprehension Check
10 minutes
- Display relevant slides from the Plot Diagram Slide Deck to set the stage.
- Have students complete the first few questions from the Comprehension Questions Quiz based on their reading of the assigned text.
- Circulate around the room to provide support and answer questions.
Step 3
Plot Progression Discussion
15 minutes
- Lead a class discussion using the Plot Diagram Slide Deck to guide students through summarizing key plot points and challenges faced by Mark Watney.
- Encourage students to identify the rising action and the problems Mark has had to solve.
- Facilitate peer-to-peer sharing and group contributions to build a comprehensive summary.
Step 4
Exit Ticket Summary
5 minutes
- Distribute the Exit Ticket Summary.
- Instruct students to independently summarize the main plot points and one significant challenge Mark Watney has overcome so far.
- Collect exit tickets as students leave to assess individual comprehension.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Houston, We Have a Solution!
Understanding "The Martian"
- Objective: Summarize key plot points and challenges Mark Watney has overcome so far.
- Why it matters: Strengthens your reading comprehension and analytical skills!
- Today's Journey: Vocabulary, comprehension check, plot discussion, and an exit ticket to show what you know!
Welcome students and introduce the lesson's exciting topic. Explain that today we're going to dive into the amazing story of Mark Watney and his challenges on Mars. Briefly introduce the objectives for the day: summarizing key plot points and challenges. Mention the warm-up game they're about to play.
🚀 Mission Control: Vocabulary Warm-up!
Before we launch into the story, let's boost our vocabulary!
Get ready for a quick warm-up game to prepare your brains for Martian adventures!
Explain the rules for the Vocabulary Warm-up Game (which will be a separate material). This slide serves as a visual for the start of that activity. Emphasize that knowing these words will help them better understand the story. Transition into the game after this slide.
Mars Reconnaissance: Comprehension Check!
Time to see what you remember from Mark Watney's journey so far!
We'll use a short quiz to check our understanding. Focus on the main events and Mark's situation.
After the vocabulary game, transition to the comprehension check. Explain that students will now apply their reading skills to answer some questions. Point out that the first few questions from the Comprehension Questions Quiz will be used here.
Journey to Survival: Plot Points!
Every great story has a plot!
- Exposition: Where does Mark Watney's story begin?
- What was the initial problem that stranded him on Mars?
Introduce the plot diagram. Explain what a plot diagram is (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution). For this lesson, we're focusing heavily on the rising action and the challenges within it. Use this slide to prompt discussion. Ask students to recall the initial situation (exposition).
Rising Action: Mark's Martian Hurdles
The rising action is where the excitement builds!
- What are some of the first major problems Mark encountered on Mars?
- How did he try to solve them?
- What other challenges has he faced since being stranded?
- Think about his food, water, communication, and shelter.
Focus on the rising action. Ask students to identify specific problems Mark has faced and the creative solutions he's come up with. Encourage detailed responses and prompt them to think about how each challenge builds tension. Guide them to summarize these key events.
Summarize Your Martian Mission!
Let's recap!
- What are the absolute most important events in Mark Watney's story up to this point?
- What is the biggest challenge he has overcome so far, in your opinion?
Conclude the discussion by reinforcing the main plot points and challenges. Prepare students for the exit ticket. Emphasize that they should be able to concisely summarize what they've discussed.
Mission Accomplished? Exit Ticket!
Time to land your learning!
On your Exit Ticket Summary, summarize the key plot points and one significant challenge Mark Watney has overcome so far.
This slide sets up the exit ticket. Explain that this is their chance to show individual understanding. Remind them to summarize the key plot points and one significant challenge Mark has faced.
Quiz
Comprehension Questions Quiz
Activity
Martian Word Scramble!
Objective: To review key vocabulary from "The Martian" and activate prior knowledge.
Materials: Whiteboard or projector, markers/pens, pre-written vocabulary words on slips of paper (or digital equivalent).
Instructions:
- Divide into Teams: Split the class into small teams (3-4 students per team).
- Display Categories: On the board, display two categories: "Mars Challenges" and "Survival Gear."
- Word Scramble: Give each team a set of scrambled letters for one vocabulary word. (Alternatively, display scrambled words one at a time on the projector).
- Examples of words:
- Mars Challenges:
tsrednad(stranded),lsoatei(isolate),irdehyd(dehydrated),fimenur(famine),adntmpeot(desperate) - Survival Gear:
rohver(rover),tahtbia(habitat),ygxoen(oxygen),tawre(water),lsoar(solar)
- Mars Challenges:
- Examples of words:
- Solve and Categorize: Teams must unscramble the word and then decide which category it belongs to.
- First to Buzz: The first team to correctly unscramble the word and place it in the right category gets a point. (Encourage shouting out answers or raising hands).
- Discussion: After each word, briefly discuss its meaning in the context of "The Martian."
Teacher Notes: Adapt the difficulty of the words based on student level. You can also have students define the words or use them in a sentence for extra points.
Cool Down
Exit Ticket: Your Martian Report
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
1. Summarize the Story So Far:
In your own words, briefly summarize the key plot points of Mark Watney's journey on Mars up to this point. What are the most important things that have happened?
2. Mark's Toughest Challenge:
Identify and describe one significant challenge Mark Watney has overcome so far. How did he solve it? What does this show about him?