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Goal

Many of our students are struggling readers, some of whom have yet to pass their required reading tests for graduation. We hope to kindle an interest in reading for our students by reading a book that meshes with our curriculum. We hope to support the work being done in the reading and ELA classrooms to help those teachers as well as our students. Research has shown that utilizing novels from other subjects enhances learning and improves comprehension for students.
We specifically chose The Martian for its look into a possible future. We live just outside the Space Coast, an area which is seeing a rebirth and has considerable resources pouring in for the foreseeable future. The question of when we will send a human to Mars could be resolved within our student’s lifetime. The Martian doesn’t just focus on the astronaut Mark Watney, who is not only a botanist by trade but also an engineer, it also focuses on how many people from all different backgrounds work together to help him survive. When we read the Martian we plan on discussing various ways humans can be a part of the space program, not just as astronauts and not just at NASA.
There are countless news stories about companies going into space (look at how much time Boeing has been in the news recently and the debates that have been brought up regarding their program alone!). It is relevant, it is going to affect their lives, and it could inspire them to a future they didn’t think existed or possible.  

 

Category

Learning Aids - Sunshine state book sets, robotics kits, puzzle boards, science models, engineering supplies, etc. 

 

What will be done with my students

We are going to do a novel study where students will be assigned reading to complete outside of class each week before coming together in small groups to discuss and analyze the chapter(s) they read. As we go along, we will incorporate activities, including labs, that match up to topics we are doing in class to deepen their understanding of the book and the class material.  

 

Benefits to my students

1. Realistic Science and Problem-Solving: The book is known for its accurate depiction of space science and engineering. Students will learn about real-life applications of scientific principles, such as orbital mechanics, botany, and chemistry, through the protagonist’s problem-solving efforts.
2. Engagement and Interest: The narrative is engaging and can spark students’ interest in space exploration and science. The story’s suspense and humor make complex scientific concepts more accessible and enjoyable.
3. Critical Thinking and Creativity: Students will analyze the protagonist’s strategies for survival and come up with their own solutions to the challenges presented in the book. This encourages critical thinking and creativity.
4. Interdisciplinary Learning: The book integrates various fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It provides a holistic learning experience that shows how different disciplines work together in real-world scenarios.
5. Discussion and Collaboration: A book study can foster discussions and collaborative projects among students. They will work in groups to explore different scientific concepts, conduct experiments, or create presentations based on the book’s content.
6. Ethics and Human Resilience: The story also touches on themes of human resilience, ethics in science, and the importance of teamwork and perseverance. These themes can lead to meaningful discussions about the human aspects of scientific endeavors. 

 

Budget Narrative

We will buy as many copies of the book as we can for the $1000. We have priced it with several bulk book websites and we can get 95 copies of the book.  

 

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