Core Skills Analysis
English
- Will identified the central theme of the novel, showing ability to infer abstract ideas beyond the plot (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2).
- He annotated unfamiliar vocabulary, demonstrating context‑clue strategies and expanding his academic word bank (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.4).
- Will compared character motivations across chapters, evidencing skill in analyzing how characters develop over time (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.3).
- He wrote a brief response linking the novel’s conflict to real‑world issues, practicing argumentative writing and textual evidence citation (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1).
Science
- Will described the concept of handedness and linked it to brain lateralization, showing understanding of basic neurobiology (NGSS MS-LS1-2).
- He recorded observations of his own hand preference during a simple task, applying the scientific method of data collection (NGSS MS-LS1-1).
- Will generated a hypothesis about why most people are right‑handed and suggested possible genetic or environmental factors (NGSS MS-LS1-3).
- He discussed how handedness research can inform design of tools and educational strategies, demonstrating application of scientific knowledge to societal contexts (NGSS MS-LS2-6).
Tips
To deepen Will's literary insight, have him lead a small literature circle where each student presents a different perspective on the novel’s theme. Pair this with a hands‑on brain‑mapping activity: students create simple 3‑D models of the brain hemispheres and label regions linked to motor control, reinforcing the science of handedness. Encourage Will to write a short story using his non‑dominant hand, which can highlight how physical constraints affect expression and creativity. Finally, organize a mini‑debate where students argue whether handedness is primarily genetic or environmental, prompting research and evidence‑based argumentation.
Book Recommendations
- The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin: A science‑fiction classic that explores gender, perspective, and cultural bias, prompting readers to question assumptions—perfect for linking novel analysis to themes of difference.
- The Brain: The Story of You by David Eagleman: An engaging, teen‑friendly overview of brain function, including chapters on handedness and lateralization that complement Will’s science inquiry.
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio: A contemporary novel that encourages empathy and analysis of character motivations, aligning with Will’s continued novel studies.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2 – Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.3 – Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents shape a character.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.4 – Determine meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1 – Write arguments to support claims with relevant evidence.
- NGSS MS-LS1-1 – Conduct investigations to describe structures and functions of cells.
- NGSS MS-LS1-2 – Develop and use models to describe how the brain controls body functions.
- NGSS MS-LS1-3 – Plan and conduct investigations to test hypotheses about genetic influence on traits.
- NGSS MS-LS2-6 – Construct explanations of how technology and engineering can address societal needs related to human biology.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Create a two‑column chart comparing right‑handed vs. left‑handed brain functions with examples from the novel and real life.
- Quiz: 10‑question multiple‑choice test on literary devices used in the current novel and key facts about brain lateralization.