Objective
By the end of this lesson, Noah will have a deeper understanding of the themes, characters, and cultural references in the Stranger Things series. He will explore various subjects such as science, friendship, and the 1980s pop culture, while engaging in creative activities that connect these topics.
Materials and Prep
- Notebook and pens for taking notes and writing reflections
- Access to the Stranger Things series (episodes or summaries)
- Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, paper) for creative projects
- Internet access for research on the 1980s and scientific concepts
- Optional: Snacks inspired by the show (e.g., Eggo waffles)
Before the lesson, ensure that Noah has watched at least the first few episodes of Stranger Things or has access to a summary of the series. Familiarize yourself with the main characters and themes to guide discussions effectively.
Activities
- Character Profiles: Noah will create detailed profiles for his favorite characters, including their traits, motivations, and relationships. This will help him understand character development and storytelling.
- 1980s Research Project: Noah will research important events, music, and pop culture from the 1980s, creating a presentation or poster to share interesting facts that influenced the series.
- Science Experiment: Conduct a simple science experiment related to the show's themes, such as a DIY "telekinesis" activity using static electricity. This hands-on activity will connect science to the supernatural elements of the show.
- Creative Writing: Noah will write a short story or script that includes his favorite characters in a new adventure. This will encourage creative thinking and storytelling skills.
- Discussion and Reflection: At the end of the lesson, Noah will discuss what he learned and how the themes of the show relate to real life. He can write a reflection in his notebook.
Talking Points
- "What do you think makes the characters in Stranger Things relatable? Can you see a bit of yourself in any of them?"
- "Why do you think the 1980s are such a significant backdrop for the story? What elements do you find interesting?"
- "How do friendship and teamwork play a role in the series? Can you think of a time when you had to rely on friends?"
- "What scientific concepts are hinted at in Stranger Things? How do you think these ideas are portrayed?"
- "If you could create a new character for the show, what would they be like, and how would they fit into the story?"
- "What themes do you think are most important in Stranger Things? How do they relate to our lives today?"
- "How does the show mix horror and adventure? What do you think makes it exciting to watch?"
- "What do you think the Upside Down represents? Can you think of any real-life situations that feel similar?"
- "How do the characters grow throughout the series? What lessons do you think they learn?"
- "Why do you think people enjoy watching shows about supernatural events? What do you find appealing about it?"
- "If you had to choose one episode to watch again, which would it be and why?"
- "What have you learned about storytelling through this series? How can you apply that to your own writing?"