| 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 | Frankenstein |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 10 |
| 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 |
Frankenstein
Grade 10 (15-16 years old)
English Language Arts
20 students
This lesson meets the standards for reading comprehension, literary analysis, and critical thinking in the national English Language Arts curriculum.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Themes | 5 minutes | Briefly introduce the topic of "Frankenstein," focusing on themes such as ambition and responsibility. Provide context about the author and the era. |
| 2 | Character Exploration | 10 minutes | Divide students into small groups. Assign each group either Victor Frankenstein or the Creature. Have them discuss their character's motivations and development as depicted in the text. |
| 3 | Class Discussion | 7 minutes | Reconvene as a class. Ask groups to share their findings. Facilitate a discussion on how the characters' actions reflect the central themes. |
| 4 | Moral Implications | 5 minutes | Lead a guided discussion on the moral implications of scientific experimentation, referencing relevant excerpts from the text. |
| 5 | Homework Assignment | 2 minutes | Assign homework related to the lesson, ensuring clear instructions and expectations are provided without requiring students to present in class. |
| 6 | Exit Ticket Reflection | 1 minute | Distribute sticky notes for students to reflect on one key takeaway from the lesson. Collect them as they leave the classroom. |
This lesson plan aims to engage students with critical themes in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," allowing for collaborative learning and individual reflection while adhering to national educational standards.
Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re diving into Mary Shelley’s classic novel, 'Frankenstein.' Before we get started, let’s talk about a couple of key themes that are central to the book: ambition and responsibility. Can anyone share what they think these themes mean?"
(Pause for responses)
Teacher: "Great insights! Mary Shelley wrote 'Frankenstein' during the early 19th century, a time of rapid scientific advancement. Understanding the era helps us grasp the significance of these themes, as both ambition and responsibility are crucial to the story. Let’s keep these in mind as we explore the characters today."
Teacher: "Now, I want you to turn to a partner and then get into small groups. We’re going to explore two main characters from 'Frankenstein': Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. I’ll be assigning each group either Victor or the Creature. Your task is to discuss their motivations and character development as depicted in the text."
(Assign groups)
Teacher: "If you’re in Group 1, you will discuss Victor Frankenstein. Focus on his ambitions and the consequences of his actions. If you’re in Group 2, examine the Creature. What drives him? How does he evolve throughout the story? You have ten minutes for this discussion. I’ll walk around to support you if needed."
(Give time for discussions and monitor groups)
Teacher: "Okay, let’s come back together as a class. I’d love to hear what each group discovered. Group 1, could you share your thoughts on Victor Frankenstein?"
(Group 1 shares)
Teacher: "Thank you! Now, Group 2, what did you find out about the Creature?"
(Group 2 shares)
Teacher: "Excellent observations! Now, let’s discuss how both characters’ actions reflect the themes of ambition and responsibility we've been talking about. How do Victor's ambitions affect those around him?"
(Facilitate discussion)
Teacher: "Now, let’s shift gears for a moment and think about the moral implications of scientific experimentation. Shelley raises important questions through her narrative. Let’s reference some excerpts from the text that touch on this. Can someone share a passage that illustrates these moral dilemmas?"
(Students share relevant excerpts)
Teacher: "Thank you for those insights. I want you to think about this: what responsibilities do scientists have when pushing the boundaries of discovery? Is there ever a point where ambition crosses ethical lines?"
(Lead a guided discussion with students' responses)
Teacher: "To deepen your understanding of today’s discussion, I’d like you to complete a homework assignment. Please write a short reflection—about one page—discussing the importance of responsibility in scientific experimentation as shown in 'Frankenstein.' Make sure to support your points with references from the text. I’ll pass out the handout with specific details and deadlines. Does everyone understand?"
(Hand out the homework assignment and clarify any questions)
Teacher: "Before you leave, I’d like you to take a sticky note and reflect on one key takeaway from today’s lesson. It could be about the themes, character insights, or the moral discussions we had. When you finish, please stick your note on the board as you exit. Thank you for your participation today!"
(Collect sticky notes as students leave)
What are the central themes of ambition and responsibility in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'? Provide a brief explanation of each theme.
Discuss the character of Victor Frankenstein. What are his ambitions, and how do they lead to consequences for himself and others? Provide examples from the text to support your analysis.
Examine the Creature's character in 'Frankenstein'. What motivates him throughout the novel? How does his character change from the beginning to the end of the story? Cite specific references from the text.
Reflect on how Victor Frankenstein's actions impact the Creature and others around him. In what ways do these actions embody the themes of ambition and responsibility we discussed in class?
Identify a passage from 'Frankenstein' that illustrates the moral implications of scientific experimentation. What moral questions does this passage raise about responsibility in scientific exploration?
In your opinion, what responsibilities do scientists have when conducting experiments that push ethical boundaries? Provide a well-reasoned argument, referencing the themes and characters from 'Frankenstein'.
Write a short reflection (approximately one page) discussing the importance of responsibility in scientific experimentation as shown in 'Frankenstein'. Make sure to support your points with references from the text.
For your exit ticket reflection, state one key takeaway from today's lesson regarding the themes, character insights, or moral discussions. Why is this takeaway significant for your understanding of the novel?