Pacing Time: 1 cycle
Learning Unit 10th Grade
Sci-fi / Mystery
Overarching Essential Goals: This learning unit will address student
expectations to either independently and/or collaboratively:
_X_1. Describe, interpret, and evaluate classical and contemporary fictional
text of many cultures in order to construct meaning, extend understanding,
and demonstrate appreciation. (1.2)
___2. Interpret and evaluate informational text in order to construct meaning
___3. Produce written texts in a variety of modes appropriate to audience,
purpose, and task.
_X_4. Employ research skills. (4.4)
_X_5. Communicate effectively in creative and critical formats using
various media. (5.3)
Unit Theme Introduction: “Lamb to Slaughter” by Roald Dahl
Through reading literature in the mystery genre, students begin to understand
how we make predictions based upon information provided to us, and begin to
understand how the outcomes are often not what we expect.
Learning Outcomes:
Differentiated Instructional Strategies:
1.2
Pre-reading Quickwrite question to
facilitate interest, connections, and facilitate
discussion. (See resources.)
Apply before, during,
and after strategies to
comprehension.
Complete reading about Roald Dahl
Master of the Delightfully Sinister in
the text and respond to teacher-created CAPTlike questions. (See resources.)
Vocabulary activities to identify, review,
and expand such as crossword puzzles, word
search, cloze, and Holt Reader and text
activity. (See resources.)
Reader Response Log questions and
responses incorporating Holt Reader
side bar reading strategy questions.
(See resources.)
Completion of graphic organizer which
employs clues used to make predictions
incorporating Holt Reader Story Detail
Chart. (See resources.)
4.4
Use print, auditory, and
Small group activity: Using the Internet
visual media in research. students will choose and research a forensic
technique, from a teacher generated list, such
as finger printing, which is employed to solve
crimes. While researching, will complete a
“forensic task sheet” to identify and organize
their findings.
5.3
Select a means to
communicate
understanding and
interpretation of ideas.
Student’s choice of method of
presentation of his/ her research on a
forensic technique: PowerPoint,
poster, oral report with visual aides,
written report, etc. utilizing a rubric.
Resources:
The Holt Elements of Literature Fourth Course-Teacher’s Annotated Edition
pages 316-327.
The Holt Course Reader, Fourth Course- pages 148-165.
Quickwrite example: Holt Text, page 316.
Roald Dahl background: Master of the Delightfully Sinister Holt Text, page 325.
Vocabulary: Holt Reader, page 149,
Vocabulary: Holt Text, page 317.
Graphic organizer: story details, Holt Reader, page 148.
Extension Activities:
Mock trial of Mrs. Maloney utilizing facts from the short story and forensic
techniques researched.
Research and reporting of famous murder trials such as the O.J. Simpson, Scott
Peterson, and Lindburgh baby kidnapping in a mode of students’ choosing.
Informal Assessments:
Completed graphic organizer for story clues/ predictions/ details.
Completed forensic chart employed while researching.
Completion of questions in Reader Response Log.
Completion of vocabulary activities.
Formal Assessments:

Response to Literature
Response to last question in Reader Response Log in essay format: How
does the title relate to the story with rubric for essay?

Reading for Information
Reading the background information of Roald Dahl (Master of the
Delightfully Sinister) and responding to teacher-created CAPT-like
questions.
Presentation of research forensic techniques on research with rubric.