Independent Reading Novel Study
Hatchet - Final Project
Your final project for this novel is due May 30, 2013. NO LATE PROJECTS WILL
BE ACCEPTED.
You will be given class time during the week of May 19- 23 to work on this
assignment (I will let you know which classes, closer to the time). You must come to
class prepared to work – bring any necessary materials from home to assist in the
completion of this assignment. Short presentations of all projects will take place in
class on Thursday, May 30 and Sunday, June 2, 2013.
You have three options for this final project. You are to complete only ONE of the
following options.
1) With a partner, create a television show with one person as the talk show
host asking questions, and one person playing Brian. You will be interviewing
Brian as if he just came back from the wilderness. You should be asking him
questions that are specific to the book, experiences Brian had and Brian
should also have answers that relate to how HE felt at the time. There
should be a minimum of ten questions. Both questions and answers should be
detailed and well thought out. The final product will be taped for the class
to listen to or watch; this is up to you. The interview should be typed and
handed in as well. The interview should be a minimum of 2 minutes and a
maximum of 3.
2) Make a model of Brian’s camp and environment using toys, modeling clay,
Lego’s, etc. Include everything he sees and uses to help him survive. These
may include lean-to, fire, pile of wood, hatchet, berries, trees, plane, turtle,
lake, etc.
3) Dress as one of the characters in the book and prepare a written monologue
to present. Your presentation to the class will include the characters
feelings and experiences throughout the novel. You must also pass in a
written copy of the monologue presented.
4) Use what you know about the Canadian wilderness and about Brian’s own
survival to create a survival pamphlet for kids who may find themselves lost
in the woods. Include 10 objects and ideas/tips that would help someone
survive at any time of year. Each object must be explained with a written
description. Use 8 ½ x 11 white paper, folded in three to create your
pamphlet.
5) Pretend “The Hatchet,” is going to come out as a blockbuster movie and
make a trailer based on the book. The trailer will be a minimum of 2 minutes
and a maximum of 3. You may work on this individually or in a group no larger
than 3. You must present a script of your trailer idea.
6) Picture book- drawing. Using watercolors, pastels, or whatever you wish, you
must draw the major events of the novel and make it into a picture book.
Each picture must have a tiny caption (small 2 to 3 line summary, similar to
what we did in tableau in class) and put together, presented with a title, like
a book. There c
7) “Tableau picture book.” Using the major events in the novel, re- create The
Hatchet in tableau. This is exactly what we did in class, except this time, you
will take your own photo or “freeze frame,” of your tableau scenes and make
it into a book. Each picture/ tableau must have a tiny caption (small 2 to 3
line summary, similar to what we did in class) and put together, presented
with a title, like a book. You may work on this individually or in a group no
larger than 3.
Your brief presentation of your project must include your reasons for choosing
this project and your final reactions towards the novel.
You MAY choose partners, but Ms. Athena must approve them first! They
must be partners in your class section.
Evaluation Rubric
4
Student is able to reflect and give
reasons for interpretation of texts.
Student is able to present novel
information from their point of
view.
Student is able to develop effective
pieces of writing and other
representations.
Student is able to participate in
oral presentations.
2
1
Student is able to share
opinions, feelings and
reactions to the text.
Student shows a full
understanding of the topic.
Student is often able to
share opinions, feelings
and reaction to the text.
Student shows a good
understanding of the
topic.
3
Student is sometimes able
to share opinions, feelings
and reactions to the text.
Student shows some
understanding of the topic.
Student is not able to
share opinions, feelings
and reactions to the text.
Student does not seem to
understand the topic at all.
Student shows much
enthusiasm and great effort
in completing project.
Student shows effort and
enthusiasm in completing
project.
Student shows some effort
and some enthusiasm in
completing project.
Student shows little effort
and no enthusiasm in
completing project.
Student speaks clearly and
distinctly all the time.
Maintains eye contact.
Student speaks clearly
and distinctly most of the
time. Maintains eye
contact most of the time.
Student sometimes speaks
clearly and distinctly.
Maintains eye contact some
of the time.
Student often mumbles or
cannot be understood.
Does not make any eye
contact.