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Lesson 5

We have examined the debate between nature and nurture through multiple texts. To demonstrate our understanding of the novel, we will engage in a Socratic Seminar about how nature versus nurture impacts the meaning of the novel using specific details from the text.

Lesson Goals

Reading and Knowledge

  • Analyze Relationships: How well do I recognize and interpret the relationship between key details and the thematic idea of nature versus nurture Frankenstein?
  • Determine Meaning and Purpose: How well do I use connections between the thematic idea of nature versus nurture and textual details to make logical deductions about Shelley’s purpose and meaning with respect to human development in Frankenstein?
  • Gather and Organize Evidence: How well do I gather and organize relevant and sufficient evidence to demonstrate an understanding of the thematic idea of nature versus nurture in Frankenstein to support claims and develop ideas?

Speaking and Listening

  • Form Claims: How well do I develop and clearly communicate meaningful and defensible claims that represent valid, evidence-based analysis of Frankenstein?
  • Listen: How well do I pay attention to and acknowledge others while thoughtfully considering their ideas during a Socratic Seminar?
  • Question: How well do I formulate and use questions to establish and deepen my understanding of Frankenstein during a Socratic Seminar?
  • Communicate Effectively: How well do I use language and strategies to accomplish my intended purpose in communicating during a Socratic Seminar?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Signet Classics, 1831

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Discuss – Read

We will review the notes from our Frankenstein big ideas Note-Taking Tool. Then we will review the expectations for the Section Diagnostic.

Step 1

With a partner, review your Frankenstein Big Ideas Note-Taking Tool and what you have learned about the debate between nature and nurture.

Step 2

Review the Section 3 Diagnostic Checklist.

Discuss with your partner how the expectations of this task fit with the notes you have already taken. Talk about how to meet the expectations listed on the Section 3 Diagnostic Checklist.

Activity 2: Write

We will prepare for the Section Diagnostic.

Step 1

A successful Socratic Seminar requires you to have read the text closely, reviewed your notes and annotations, and prepared to articulate your ideas clearly. The expectation is that everyone participates in the discussion. You can engage in the discussion through the following discussion strategies:

  • posing meaningful questions that propel the conversation

  • asking clarifying questions

  • respectfully challenging perspectives

  • building on others’ ideas by providing additional evidence or ideas

  • synthesizing your peers’ ideas

Step 2

On your Discussion Tool, write the following discussion question:

  1. According to what we have read in Frankenstein, which has a more significant impact on one’s development: nature or nurture?

Write down your initial claims and evidence in the During the Discussion section of the Discussion Tool.

Step 3

Consider Frankenstein and any other text you have read in this unit. Write two open-ended, thought-provoking questions you would like to discuss during the Socratic Seminar. Reference the following examples of strong question frames:

  • What do you think about _____?

  • What evidence from the text supports your belief?

  • What is the relationship between _____ and _____?

  • What do the texts say about _____?

  • What about this perspective do you agree or disagree with?

  • What significance is this to _____? If _____ is true, then _____?

Below are questions to avoid:

  • questions that are too vague (these invoke uncertainty in other group members)

  • questions that are too general (these do not ensure understanding)

  • yes-or-no questions (these do not elicit discussion)

Write down your questions in your Learning Log.

Activity 3: Discuss

We will participate in a Socratic Seminar.

Step 1

Begin the seminar by referencing your Discussion Tool from the last activity. As a class, discuss and share your answers to the following question:

  1. According to what we have read in Frankenstein, which has a more significant impact on one’s development: nature or nurture?

Step 2

Ask one of your open-ended questions to the group. Anyone can respond and start a discussion. Remember, this is a discussion, not a question-and-answer session.

Continue the discussion by asking other open-ended questions and responding to your peers’ questions. Remember to use textual evidence to support your responses and observations.

Use Section 2 of the Discussion Tool to track interesting ideas of your peers.

Activity 4: Write

We will reflect on our work on the Section Diagnostic and assess how prepared we are for the Culminating Task.

Step 1

Use Section 3 of the Discussion Tool to reflect on the Socratic Seminar.

  1. What questions most challenged you to think deeper or differently about the text? How did you think deeper or differently about specific details from the text?

  2. What evidence from the text did you also use to support your thoughts?

  3. What evidence was new to you? Which details or insights surprised you?

  4. What did you think of the Socratic Seminar format? How did you feel during the discussion?

  5. Did we adhere to our norms? Did you achieve your personal goals?

Step 2

Choose at least three of the questions below and respond to them in your Learning Log:

  1. How well did you take necessary action to prepare for the task?

  2. What went well for you during the completion of this task?

  3. What did you struggle with during the completion of this task? How did you push through that struggle?

  4. How well did you actively focus your attention during this independent task?

  5. How well did you develop and use an effective and efficient process to maintain workflow during this task?

  6. What would you do differently during the next Section Diagnostic?

Review your Culminating Task Progress Tracker. Think about all you have learned and done during this section of the unit. Evaluate your skills and knowledge to determine how prepared you are for the Culminating Task.

  • Add or refine any skills and content knowledge required for the Culminating Task.

  • Evaluate how well you are mastering skills and knowledge required for the Culminating Task.