Title of Book:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
The Lorax
Dr. Seuss
Random House New York 1971
0394823370
Grade Levels for recommended use: Middle School - 6th - 7th
TEKS:
6(7) Matter and energy. The student knows that some of Earth's energy resources are available
on a nearly perpetual basis, while others can be renewed over a relatively short period of time.
Some energy resources, once depleted, are essentially nonrenewable. The student is expected to:
(B) design a logical plan to manage energy resources in the home, school, or community.
7(8) Earth and space. The student knows that natural events and human activity can impact Earth
systems. The student is expected to: (C) model the effects of human activity on groundwater and
surface water in a watershed.
Brief Summary:
The Lorax is about a man who has destroyed the forest of Truffula trees. He came in and found
how wonderful the threads from the trees were and created a must have product and did not
replace what he used or respect the land. He polluted and thought of himself instead of our Earth
but now he realizes unless he finds someone who cares the land will be forever destroyed.
Materials needed:
"The Lorax",
Discussion worksheet
Paper Copy of “The Lorax” http://csc.gallaudet.edu/soarhigh/lorax.htm
Suggested Activity:
1. Read “The Lorax to the class as they follow along allowing the students to read if they so
choose.
2. After the story the students should answer the five questions on the worksheet and choose the
question they choose to write about.
3. Advanced students actually pretend to be the Lorax, Once-ler, or the boy and debate their
position in class. Idea: Find what the students believe and have them defend the opposite
view.
OR
4. Write “The Truffula Tree” the story of what happens to the Truffula tree after the boy leaves
with the seed.
Adapted by Mrs. Micheal Anne Latimer 2010
Name ______________________________
Date ________________ Period _________
Directions: Answer the questions after the story.
1. Where the resources the Once-ler found renewable or non-renewable?
2. How did the Once-ler change the environment? List at least three.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. What does “unless” mean?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
4. How do you affect the environment you live in? List at least three.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
5. How do we affect the water in our environment?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
The Lorax Debate
Directions: Choose a position to take in class you will have two days to prepare your story. Remember
make this story realistic.
1. Pretend you are the Once-ler at the beginning of the story. How could you have done things
differently so that the land was not destroyed?
2. Pretend you are the boy and are given the Truffula tree seed. What are you going to do with it?