Mark Watney: First Impressions

Directions: As you read the opening chapters of "The Martian," pay close attention to details about Mark Watney and the setting of Mars. Use the prompts below to record your observations and initial understanding.

Character: Mark Watney

1. List three words you would use to describe Mark Watney based on the reading. Provide a brief explanation or example for each.

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2. What is Mark Watney's job or expertise? How might this be helpful (or unhelpful) in his current situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What is one of the first things Mark Watney does after realizing he is stranded? What does this action tell you about him?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Find a quote from the text that reveals something important about Mark Watney's personality or his immediate thoughts. Write the quote and explain its significance.

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Setting: Mars

5. Describe Mars as it is presented in the story. What are three key physical characteristics of the planet?

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6. What makes Mars a dangerous or challenging place for human survival, according to the text?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Initial Conflict

7. In your own words, describe the main conflict or problem that Mark Watney faces at the very beginning of the story.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Script: Meeting Mark Watney

Introduction to Mars and Mark Watney (10 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going on an extraordinary journey, not just to a different place, but to an entirely different planet! Our lesson today is called Stranded! Meeting Mark Watney."

"Let's start by looking at our first slide in the Introductory Slide Deck." (Display Slide 1)

"This lesson will help us meet a fascinating character and understand the incredible challenge he faces. By the end, you'll be able to describe Mark Watney and the Martian setting, and know what big problem he needs to solve."

"Now, let's turn to Mars itself." (Display Slide 2) "Take a moment to think: what do you already know about Mars? What have you seen in movies, read in books, or heard in the news?" (Allow 30 seconds for silent thought, then invite responses.)

"Great observations! Now, imagine living there. What would be easy about it? What would be incredibly difficult?" (Facilitate a short discussion, prompting students to consider factors like air, water, food, temperature, communication.)

"Excellent thinking. Now, for the exciting part!" (Display Slide 3) "Today, we're diving into a book called 'The Martian,' and we're meeting its main character, Mark Watney. The premise is simple, but terrifying: He's a botanist, an astronaut, and he's alone on Mars. Think about that for a moment. He's stranded. What immediate, pressing problems would he have to deal with the moment he realized he was alone on Mars? Brainstorm with a partner for a minute." (Allow students to pair-share, then call on a few to share their ideas.)

Guided Reading of Opening Chapters (10 minutes)

"Fantastic ideas, everyone. Now, let's get a firsthand look at Mark Watney's predicament. I'm going to hand out excerpts from the opening chapters of 'The Martian.'" (Distribute excerpts.) "As we read, I want you to focus on two main things: what we learn about Mark Watney, and what we learn about the Martian environment. I'll read aloud, and I'd like you to follow along, highlighting or noting anything that stands out to you about his character or the setting." (Begin reading, pausing at key descriptive passages. For example, if the text mentions his humor, pause and ask, "What does this tell us about Mark?" If it describes the dust, ask, "How does the author make Mars feel real and dangerous?")

Character and Setting Analysis (10 minutes)

"Alright, we've had our first taste of Mark Watney's world. Now, it's your turn to dig a little deeper." (Distribute the Character Profile Worksheet.) "I'd like you to complete this worksheet individually, or with a partner if you prefer. Use the text we just read to answer the questions about Mark Watney's character, the Martian setting, and the initial conflict he faces. Remember to use details from the text to support your answers." (Circulate around the room, offering help and encouraging students to refer back to the text.)

"You've had some good time to work on your worksheets. Let's come back together and share some of our findings." (Display Slide 4) "Based on what you've read and discussed, how would you describe Mark Watney? What words would you use? And what makes Mars such a challenging and difficult place for him to be?" (Facilitate a class discussion, calling on different students and encouraging them to elaborate.)

Vocabulary Check-in & Cool Down (5 minutes)

"Before we wrap up, let's quickly look at some of the vocabulary we encountered." (Display Slide 5) "Are there any words from our reading that were new or particularly important to understanding the story? Let's discuss their meaning in context." (Briefly review 2-3 key vocabulary words, ensuring students understand them.)

"Finally, for our cool-down today, I want everyone to answer this question on an exit ticket, or simply write it down to hand in: What is the main problem Mark Watney needs to solve right now? Think about the very first, most urgent thing." (Collect responses as an exit ticket.) "Great work today, everyone! We'll continue our journey with Mark Watney next time."

Cool Down: Quick Check-in

Directions: Respond to the following question in 1-2 sentences.

What is the main problem Mark Watney needs to solve immediately after realizing he is stranded on Mars?