| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | English |
| What topic | Introducing the documentary Blackfish |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Doesn't matter |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Introducing the documentary Blackfish
English
Doesn't matter
30 minutes
20
The lesson will promote skills in analysis, critical thinking, and understanding of social issues, in line with the national curriculum standards for English language and literature.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check Homework | 5 min | The teacher will review the homework assignments without asking students to present. Collect written responses from students for assessment. |
| 2 | Introduction to Blackfish | 10 min | Briefly introduce the documentary Blackfish, its themes, and relevance. Show a short clip to capture students' interest. |
| 3 | Activity: Printable Cards | 5 min | Distribute printable cards to students that they will fill out during the discussion. Explain the purpose of the cards. |
| 4 | Class Discussion | 5 min | Facilitate a discussion around the themes of the documentary. Encourage students to share thoughts while filling out their cards. |
| 5 | Collect/Check Cards | 3 min | Randomly collect or check the cards to gauge students' engagement and understanding. |
| 6 | Assign Homework | 2 min | Provide students with the homework assignment for the next lesson. Summarize the expectations clearly. |
The lesson will wrap up with a quick review of what was covered and a preview of the next lesson. Ensure that students are clear on the homework assignment before they leave.
"Alright, everyone, let’s get started. Please take a moment to pull out your homework assignments from last class. I want you to hand them to me as I walk around the room. Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask anyone to present today, but I will be reviewing your written responses for assessment. Thank you!"
"Now that I have collected your homework, let's move on to the main topic of today’s lesson: the documentary Blackfish. This film explores the controversial practices surrounding the captivity of orcas, particularly focusing on the story of Tilikum, an orca involved in several tragic incidents. The themes we’ll touch on today include animal rights, captivity, and the impact of human actions on wildlife.
Before we delve deeper, let’s watch a short clip from the documentary. Pay close attention to the visuals and the underlying messages.
[Show clip from Blackfish]
What did you think? This documentary raises significant questions about how we treat animals and the ethical implications behind these practices."
"Next, I have a little activity for you. I will be handing out printable cards. Each card has space for you to jot down your thoughts and reflections as we discuss the documentary.
The purpose of these cards is to help you organize your thoughts, which we’ll discuss further in just a moment. Please take one and get ready to fill it out during our class discussion."
[Distribute printable cards]
"Let’s jump into a discussion about what we just watched. I’d like to hear your thoughts on the themes presented in Blackfish. What stood out to you? How do you feel about the captivity of orcas and the way they are treated?
As you share your thoughts, I encourage you to write down key points or ideas that resonate with you on your cards.
[Facilitate open discussion]
"Remember, there's no right or wrong answer here. We're exploring a complex issue, and I want everyone to feel comfortable sharing their perspectives."
"Alright, thank you for your contributions! To wrap up our discussion and gain a better understanding of your engagement, I will be randomly collecting or checking the cards you filled out. I’m interested in seeing your thoughts and how you connected with the material today."
[Collect or check cards]
"Before we end, I want to make sure you're all clear on your homework assignment for next class. I would like you to watch another segment of Blackfish at home and write a short paragraph reflecting on the emotional impact it had on you.
Make sure to think about the questions we discussed today. We will be referring back to this for our next lesson, so come prepared with your thoughts."
"That brings us to the end of today’s lesson. Great job, everyone! Please remember what we discussed and make sure to complete your homework. Have a wonderful day!"
What are the main ethical questions raised by the documentary Blackfish regarding the captivity of orcas? Provide specific examples from the film to support your answer.
Reflect on the story of Tilikum. How did his experiences in captivity differ from what you believe a wild orca would experience?
In your opinion, what are the consequences of keeping orcas in captivity for both the animals and the humans involved?
Choose one of the significant themes discussed in class (e.g., animal rights, captivity). How does this theme resonate with contemporary issues in wildlife conservation?
After watching the assigned segment of Blackfish, describe an emotional response you had to the film. What specific scenes or messages impacted you the most?
Consider the role of documentaries like Blackfish in shaping public opinion about animal rights. How can films influence societal views on controversial topics?
Write about how you think the treatment of orcas in captivity compares to the treatment of other animals in similar situations (such as dolphins, elephants, etc.). What parallels can you draw?
What do you think are potential solutions to the ethical dilemmas presented in Blackfish? Propose at least two actionable ideas based on your reflections.
Reflect on the discussion we had in class. How did hearing your classmates' perspectives influence your understanding of the themes presented in Blackfish?
After completing the homework assignment, what further questions do you have about the treatment of captive animals or the ethics of keeping wild animals in zoos and aquariums?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the main themes presented in the documentary Blackfish? | |
| Who is Tilikum and why is he significant in the documentary? | |
| What are some ethical implications of orca captivity highlighted in Blackfish? | |
| How does Blackfish portray the relationship between humans and orcas? | |
| What are your thoughts on the treatment of animals in captivity as discussed in the film? | |
| How did the visual elements of the documentary affect your perception of the issues presented? | |
| In what ways does Blackfish challenge the audience’s views on animal rights? | |
| What emotions did you experience while watching the clip from Blackfish? | |
| Why is it important to consider the impact of human actions on wildlife, according to the film? | |
| How can documentaries like Blackfish influence public perception and policy regarding animal rights? |