a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text

to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly

the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value

Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover'

English

In 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover: reading’, pupils read, discussed and explored a non-fiction picturebook narrative. In ’Shackleton's Journey: reading’, pupils will read, discuss and explore another non-fiction picturebook narrative based on real-life events.

In 'Escape from Pompeii: reading’, pupils explored and engaged with a historical fiction picturebook narrative. In ’Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover: reading’, pupils will read, discuss and explore a non-fiction picturebook narrative based on space exploration.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the narrative non-fiction text, 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover'. They explore the context of Mars and the rover mission and answer a range of comprehension questions. Finally, pupils identify and engage with the key themes in the text.

'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover': reading

a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story

bringing about new ideas, methods, products or solutions

Match the keywords to the correct definitions.

True or false? ‘Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover’ answers all the questions it raises.

What was the name of the new rover that the team at NASA launched in 2020?

the majority of the Perseverance rover’s cameras are in colour

the Perseverance rover’s cameras are only in black and white

the Perseverance rover was launched in 2019

the Perseverance rover is able to use heavier equipment and tools

Which of the following is true about the Mars Perseverance rover?

the Curiosity rover found evidence of past water, including lake beds

Curiosity has a nuclear-powered battery, which powered the rover

the rover has captured stunning images of the Martian landscape

Match the theme to how it is conveyed in the text.

Which of the following themes may be drawn from ‘Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover’?

 the way the information is organised on the page

a form of text where images and words work together to create meaning

What is a suitable definition of a **theme**?

True or False? Mars is a smaller planet than Earth.

How many wheels did the Curiosity rover use to navigate the Martian surface?

What is the name of the publisher of the text, 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover'?

amazement or curiosity about something unknown

Match the following words with their definitions.

What is the name of the astronomy expert who was consulted on the text?

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Worksheet