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Stranded on Mars: Meeting Mark Watney

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Lesson Plan

Stranded on Mars: Meeting Mark Watney

Students will be able to analyze the opening chapters of "The Martian" to understand Mark Watney's character, the initial conflict, and the story's narrative style.

This lesson is important because it introduces students to key elements of narrative analysis within the engaging context of science fiction. Understanding character, conflict, and narrative voice are fundamental skills for comprehending complex texts and appreciating literary craftsmanship.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through guided reading, a warm-up, a slide deck, and structured discussion.

Materials

Copies of The Martian (Opening Chapters), Introductory Slides, Anticipation Guide Worksheet, Think-Pair-Share Prompts, and Pens/Pencils

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the opening chapters of "The Martian" (provided separately to the teacher).
    - Print copies of the Anticipation Guide Worksheet (one per student).
    - Ensure access to the Introductory Slides and projection equipment.
    - Familiarize yourself with the Think-Pair-Share Prompts.
    - Arrange for students to have access to the opening chapters of "The Martian."
    - Review all generated materials as needed.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook: What if... Mars?

5 minutes

  1. Begin with the Warm Up activity to engage students with the concept of being stranded.
    2. Introduce the lesson with the Introductory Slides, specifically focusing on the hook slide.
    3. Distribute the Anticipation Guide Worksheet and give students a minute to complete it individually.

Step 2

Reading & Annotation: First Impressions

10 minutes

  1. Instruct students to read the opening chapters of "The Martian" (provided separately) with a focus on:
    - Identifying Mark Watney's immediate situation and initial reactions.
    - Noting details about the setting (Mars).
    - Paying attention to how Mark Watney communicates (narrative style).
    2. Encourage students to annotate for key vocabulary, surprising details, or questions they have.

Step 3

Partner Discussion: Sharing Insights

10 minutes

  1. Divide students into pairs.
    2. Guide students through the Think-Pair-Share Prompts to discuss their initial impressions of Mark Watney, the conflict, and the narrative voice.
    3. Circulate among pairs to facilitate discussion and address any questions.

Step 4

Exit Ticket: Quick Check

5 minutes

  1. Conclude the lesson with the Cool Down activity.
    2. Collect the Anticipation Guide Worksheet and the Cool Down to assess initial understanding.
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Slide Deck

What If... You Were Stranded?

Imagine you're completely alone, far from home, with limited resources.

What's the first thing you think about?

Welcome students and introduce the captivating theme of being stranded. This slide is meant to be a thought-provoking hook.

Meet "The Martian"

Authored by Andy Weir

Get ready to explore Mars with Mark Watney!

Introduce the book and the author. Briefly mention the premise without giving too much away.

Our Mission Today

Today, we'll dive into the opening chapters to discover:

  • Mark Watney: Who is he?
  • The Conflict: What's his big problem?
  • Narrative Style: How does the story feel?

Explain the learning objective for today's lesson, connecting it to the skills students will gain.

Science Fiction Zone

What comes to mind when you hear 'science fiction'?

  • Real science + imaginative stories
  • Often set in the future or outer space
  • Explores 'what if' scenarios

Briefly introduce the concept of science fiction and how it blends science with imagination.

Listen Closely: Narrative Voice

Every story has a 'voice' or a way it's told.

  • Is it personal (like a diary)?
  • Is it told by someone watching the events unfold?

How does the author let us know what Mark Watney is thinking and feeling?

Explain what narrative voice is and why it's important for understanding a story.

Meet the Hero, See the World

Authors introduce characters and settings in specific ways.

  • What do we learn about Mark Watney immediately?
  • What details paint a picture of Mars in your mind?

Emphasize how the author brings a character to life and sets the scene for the story.

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Worksheet

Anticipation Guide: Stranded on Mars

Name: ____________________________

Directions: Read each statement below. In the "Before Reading" column, mark whether you Agree (A) or Disagree (D) with the statement. We will revisit this after reading the opening chapters of "The Martian."

StatementBefore Reading (A/D)
1. Surviving alone on a hostile planet is impossible.
2. Humor is important for coping with extreme stress.
3. A single person can make a difference in a desperate situation.
4. Science and engineering skills are essential for survival.
5. Being completely isolated would be the hardest part of being stranded.
6. Humanity would always try to rescue someone stranded in space.

Quick Write: Choose one statement from above that you feel strongly about. Explain your reasoning in 2-3 sentences.







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Discussion

Think-Pair-Share Prompts: Meeting Mark Watney

Directions: After reading the opening chapters of "The Martian," discuss the following questions with your partner. Be prepared to share your thoughts with the class.

Think (2 minutes): Individually consider the questions.

  1. Mark Watney's Character: What are your first impressions of Mark Watney? What words would you use to describe him based on his actions and thoughts in the opening chapters?


  2. The Initial Conflict: What is the main problem Mark Watney faces at the very beginning of the story? How did he end up in this situation?


  3. Narrative Voice: How does the author choose to tell this story? (Is it like a diary entry, a conversation, a formal report?) How does this style make you feel about Mark Watney and his situation?


Pair (5 minutes): Discuss your answers with a partner.

  • Share your individual thoughts for each question.
  • Compare your impressions. Did you both notice the same things? Did you have different interpretations?
  • Try to find specific examples from the text to support your ideas.

Share (3 minutes): Be ready to share your group's key insights with the class.

  • What was the most interesting observation you or your partner made about Mark Watney?
  • What did you find most surprising about the beginning of the story?
  • How does the narrative style contribute to the overall mood of the opening chapters?
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Warm Up

Warm Up: Stranded on Mars

Directions: Take a moment to think about the following scenario and write down your responses.

Imagine you are an astronaut on a mission to a far-off planet. Something goes wrong, and you are accidentally left behind by your crew. You are completely alone, with only what you have on hand and limited supplies.

  1. What is the first emotion you would feel?


  2. What is the first practical thing you would try to do to survive?


  3. What is one personal item you would wish you had with you?


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Cool Down

Cool Down: Stranded on Mars

Directions: Please answer the following questions to reflect on today's reading and discussion.

  1. In one sentence, describe Mark Watney based on the opening chapters.


  2. What is the biggest challenge Mark Watney faces right at the beginning of the story?


  3. What is one question you have about Mark Watney or his situation after reading the opening?


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Stranded on Mars: Meeting Mark Watney • Lenny Learning