Story Academy: The Wolf, the Tundra and the Scientist
In this 2-week, 4 lesson summer reading class, student will read and discuss Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat. Let's read and understand Mowat' story from many perspectives, the scientist, the native, the geographer, the author and the wolf.
What's included
4 live meetings
5 in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1-2 hours per week. includedGrading
I include informal observational evaluations looking for understanding, engagement, inquiry, and connections to other learning or situations.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Intermediate Level
In this class, students will have the opportunity to imagine, speculate, predict, and plan as they read the story of Farley Mowat's adventure on the tundra in Never Cry Wolf. Students will read several chapters before each of the four classes. Each class will begin with a look at some aspects of the story like its location, the indigenous populations found in and around these remote locations, the habits of wolves, multiple perspectives that shape the story, and the scientific approach to the study the wolf. We will explore vocabulary and concepts connected to the story and then, we will discuss what students read before class using guiding questions. Students will have a chance to ask questions and share their thoughts and ideas about Mowat's story. We will read at least one chapter together during each class. Assessment is through informal observation during class participation as the class is designed to be informal, flexible, and open for students to share their thought as the story unfolds. The focus for this class is building a joy of reading, expanding vocabulary, and developing an understanding of a world far different from that of most other people. This class depends on student participation as it is not a lecture class.
Learning Goals
Students will develop a love or enjoyment of reading.Students will expand their vocabulary.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
Chapters 1-6 The Journey Begins
Welcome and introductions.
Habits of Good Readers.
What is inquiry and what are you curious about?
Reading Prep
Background on the book and author.
Vocabulary geography, bush, perspective, Eskimo, esker
Explore what is remote and how do we measure it?
Questions about the reading?
Discussion: chapters 1-5
Guiding Questions
Summary: Tyler’s journey to the Keewatin Barren Lands and setting up camp.
Read chapter 6 together. 75 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Chapters 7-12 Investigation and Observation on the Tundra
Welcome Back
Reading Prep
Vocabulary location, region, place, sense of place, subarctic, Arctic
Using maps, orientation, Arctic region of northern Canada.
Where and what is the tundra?
What characteristics define the tundra?
Describe the place where Mowat has set up his base camp for investigating the wolf population.
Questions about the reading?
Discussion chapters 7-11
Guiding Questions
Summary: Mowat’s introduction to the wolf family and his observations.
Read chapter 12 together 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapters 13-19 Native Ways and Multiple Perspectives
Welcome Back
Reading Prep
Vocabulary native, indigenous, Inuit, Inupiat
How is Mowat’s perspective of the wolves changing?
How do you think Mike and his family would describe Mowat?
What is the native perspective of the wolves?
Explore maps. Who are the indigenous people in Mowat’s story?
Questions about the reading?
Discussion chapters 13-18
Guiding Questions
Summary: Mowat’s interactions with Mike and his family
Read chapter 19 together 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 20-24 Plants, Animals, and the Scientist
Welcome Back
Reading Prep
Vocabulary taiga, scat
Is Mowat a scientist, a storyteller, an author, adventurer, advocate, activist, …?
What was the “Supersize Me’ experiment?
Describe Mowat’s scientific investigation into why the caribou population was declining?
Questions about the reading?
Discussion chapters 20-23
Guiding Questions
Summary: Mowat completes his assignment by investigating the hunting practices of the wolves and further observations of the tundra.
Read chapter 24 together 75 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
One chapter discusses the wolf mating practices which is part of the overall observation of the habits of the wolf. The author references female wolves as bitches. There are a a couple of references to the main character drinking wolf juice, beer and anti-freeze.
Supply List
Students need access to the book Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2021
Teacher expertise and credentials
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Master's Degree from University of Oregon
I am a licensed teacher in Virginia and Alaska. I have taught secondary social studies for 20 years. I taught AP human geography for 8 years and have worked as a reader for the College Board scoring AP exams for 20 years. I lived in rural Alaska for 5 years working as a teacher. In Alaska, I was responsible for all subjects in both middle school and high school for 3 years. As an educator, I utilize reading, literacy, investigation, imagination, and speculation and other powerful critical thinking skills to support content. I have written curriculum content for districts in both Virginia and Alaska and worked on state level educational committees. I have worked as a content expert for the U.S. Census Bureau and Virginia Geographic Alliance. I have presented professional development for teachers at the national, state, and local level of education. I have traveled as an educator to the Maritime Provinces of Canada, Brazil, and Ecuador. I have also traveled to Puerto Rico, Mexico City, and Finland. Reviews
Live Group Class
$50
weekly or $100 for 4 classes2x per week, 2 weeks
75 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-10 learners per class
