Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover'
I can identify and engage with the key themes in 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover'.
Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover'
I can identify and engage with the key themes in 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover'.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Since the text’s publication, the Curiosity rover has continued to explore Mars’ surface.
- Innovation is a key theme within the text - the team at NASA had to think creatively and come up with solutions.
- Revisiting a text can allow readers to discuss questions that focus on themes.
- The Curiosity rover mission answered many questions, while posing new ones simultaneously.
Keywords
Theme - a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text
Convey - to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly
Innovation - the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value
Common misconception
Pupils may find it challenging to think of themes.
During Task B, discuss common themes and model thinking out loud some suggestions (e.g. collaboration, determination).
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2023 Walker Studio edition of ‘Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover’ written and illustrated by Markus Motum, for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
amazement or curiosity about something unknown
desire to learn or know something
not giving up, staying focused on goals
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story
to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly
bringing about new ideas, methods, products or solutions
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