Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of the themes presented in the Dreamworks movie "Wild Robot," including the relationship between technology and nature, the concept of identity, and the importance of community. The student will also be able to connect these themes to relevant NSW Learning Outcomes for Stage 4.
Materials and Prep
- Access to the movie "Wild Robot" (if available for viewing)
- Notebook and pen for note-taking
- Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, paper)
- A quiet space for discussion and reflection
Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with the basic plot of "Wild Robot" and its main characters. Consider the themes you want to focus on, such as technology vs. nature, identity, and community.
Activities
- Movie Discussion: Watch "Wild Robot" together (if possible) and pause at key moments to discuss the themes. Ask the student how they feel about the robot's interactions with nature and other characters.
- Character Analysis: Have the student choose a character from the movie and create a character profile. This should include the character's motivations, challenges, and relationships with others.
- Art Project: Using the art supplies, the student will create a visual representation of one of the themes from the movie. This could be a drawing, a collage, or even a comic strip depicting a scene that illustrates the theme.
- Creative Writing: Ask the student to write a short story or diary entry from the perspective of the robot. This will help them explore the theme of identity and the robot's feelings about being in a natural world.
- Group Reflection: If possible, involve family members in a group discussion about the themes of the movie. Encourage the student to share their insights and listen to others' perspectives.
Talking Points
- "What do you think the robot learns about nature throughout the movie? How does this reflect our own relationship with the environment?"
- "How does the robot’s experience challenge our understanding of what it means to be 'alive'? Can technology have feelings?"
- "Why is community important in the movie? How do the characters support each other?"
- "Can you think of a time when you had to adapt to a new environment like the robot? What did you learn from that experience?"
- "How do you think the movie portrays the balance between technology and nature? Is it a positive or negative view?"