Core Skills Analysis
Art
- Explored contemporary art techniques and themes during the visit to LA County Museum of Contemporary Art, deepening understanding of modern artistic expression.
- Developed observational skills by engaging with diverse artworks, analyzing styles, emotions, and messages conveyed by various artists.
- Cultivated appreciation for cultural institutions and how art reflects societal changes and personal narratives.
English
- Enhanced storytelling and narrative analysis by learning about the film ‘Carnosaur’, its novel origin, and relation to the ‘Jurassic Park’ books and movies.
- Practiced communicating complex information clearly by explaining film and book connections to her dad.
- Expanded vocabulary and comprehension through exposure to film critique terms and literary themes.
History
- Gained insight into film history by learning about Steven Spielberg’s first movie ‘Duel,’ understanding the early years of a prominent director.
- Explored the cultural context of filmmaking in the 1970s and its technological and narrative developments.
- Connected historical aspects of film production to broader social and technological progress of the era.
Social Studies
- Strengthened family bonds and social interaction skills through quality time spent with her dad, supporting family dynamics during a health crisis.
- Experienced local community life via a neighborhood walk and dining at a local taqueria, gaining awareness of cultural diversity and local economy.
- Observed social behaviors and customs in casual, real-world settings, enhancing interpersonal understanding.
Film Studies
- Developed critical viewing skills by watching and analyzing the movie ‘Duel’, appreciating early film techniques and suspense-building.
- Understood adaptation processes by learning how ‘Carnosaur’ was based on a novel and its connections to the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise.
- Explored genre elements of horror and science fiction, comparing narrative and thematic elements between films and their source material.
Tips
To extend Grace's learning, encourage her to create her own short film script inspired by themes from 'Duel' or 'Carnosaur', integrating her understanding of suspense and adaptation. Organize a family movie night featuring films linked to the ones she studied, followed by discussion sessions to deepen critical thinking and verbal expression. Facilitate hands-on art projects inspired by the styles and themes she encountered at LACMA, allowing creative interpretation of contemporary art. Additionally, exploring local culture further through neighborhood walks or visits to other cultural spots can broaden her social studies perspective and community engagement.
Book Recommendations
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick: A unique blend of novel and graphic storytelling about a boy who lives in a Paris train station and discovers the history of early film making.
- Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton: A thrilling novel that inspired the famous film, blending science fiction with adventure and ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering.
- Stepping Stones: A Story of Rosina Bulwer Lytton by Barbara Helen Berger: A historical novel that helps readers understand the influence of creativity and perseverance in challenging social circumstances.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.2 – Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4 – Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, and details.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.3 – Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.3 – Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text.
Try This Next
- Create a storyboard depicting a suspenseful scene inspired by the movie 'Duel' to explore visual storytelling techniques.
- Write a comparative essay or a Venn diagram analysis of 'Carnosaur' and 'Jurassic Park' examining themes, characters, and plot differences.