The House of the Scorpion

by Nancy Farmer

Scrapbook

(Picture or drawing of scorpion

OR

something significant from the novel)

Your Name

Date/Period

ALL CONTENT OF YOUR SCRAPBOOK MUST BE TYPED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.

Page 1 - Scorpion Information - (respond in complete sentences)

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/scorpion/

http://www.desertusa.com/insects/scorpion.html

1.  Where are scorpions found?

2.  What are the systems of a scorpion sting?

3.  Which scorpion is the most venomous in the United States?

4.  Name four characteristics shared by all scorpions?

5.  Name the three most common scorpions found in the Southwest?

6.  Describe the scorpion’s range and habitat.

7.  Describe a scorpion’s diet/food/behavior.

8.  How does a scorpion hunt and kill its prey?

Page 2 - Dystopian Society Facts- Notes from class

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson926/DefinitionCharacteristics/pdf

Page 3 - Dystopian Society Analysis

1.  Throughout this unit we will analyze dystopian societies – that is, Utopian dreams gone wrong. Drawing on the evidence from both the novel and research, decide whether or not you believe a Utopian society will ever exist. Why or why not? Provide evidence from the text study to support your claims. (minimum 100 words –typed)

Page 4 - Main Characters Chart - Character Traits

Create a chart using Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet.

Character What the What the What do others How do others Comparisons

Traits Character says character does say about the treat the to other

character? Character? characters

1.  Celia

2.  Matt

3.  Maria

4.  Tom

5.  Tam Lin

6.  El Patron

Page 5 - Stem Cell - Pros/Cons

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/consumer-health/in-depth-organ-donation/art-200

http://www.organdonor.gov/howhelp/index.html

http://stemcells.nih.gov/policy/pages/2009guidelines.aspx

1.  PROS: minimum of 10

2.  CONS: minimum of 10

3.  My opinion supported by facts (150 words)

Page 6 - Cultural References

Find examples of the following cultural references in the novel. Be sure to quote the reference and include the page number from the novel. Provide two examples for each term using complete sentences.

1.  Spanish terms

2.  Traditions

3.  Mythological creatures

4.  Slang

5.  Religion

Page 7 - Organ Donation Pros/Cons

www.organdonor.gov

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organ-donation/FL00077

http://www.organdonor.gov/whydonate/index.html

http://www.organdonor.gov/about/index.html

http://www.organdonor.gov/howhelp/index.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/consumer-health/in-depth/organ-donation/art

http://biotech.about.com/od/bioethics/i/issuestemcells_2.htm

1.  Pros: (minimum of 10)

2.  Cons: (minimum of 10)

3.  My opinion based on what I’ve learned (minimum 150 words)

Page 8 - Reflection Comparison

Write a 150 word narrative reflection comparing yourself to a character from the text with which you feel a connection. In your narrative consider and include one example from each category listed below:

1.  Different allusions in the text: religious, cultural, literary

2.  Different themes in the text: alienation, social classification, struggle to get and maintain power

3.  Character relationships in the text: bully and victim, unrequited love, absentee parental figures

Page 9 - Name Research

1.  Research the origin of the following character names from the novel. Be sure to include as much information as you can find about the names. Determine whether or not the names are suitable for the characters they represent. If you find the names do not match the character(s) then assign that character(s) a more suitable suggested name. Explain why or why not the name is a good representation for that character.

a.  Matteo b. Celia c. Maria d. Esperanza e. Tom

2.  Research the origin of your first name. Does it represent you? Explain in 75 words.

Page 10 - Poetry Analysis/Comparison

Read Shakespeare’s Sonnet 60. Find sources on the internet which might help in your understanding of the meaning of this sonnet. As you develop an understanding of this work, keep in mind any relationship you might see between this and The House of the Scorpion.

SONNET 60

Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore,
So do our minutes hasten to their end;
Each changing place with that which goes before,
In sequent toil all forwards do contend.
Nativity, once in the main of light,
Crawls to maturity, wherewith being crown'd,
Crooked eclipses 'gainst his glory fight,
And Time, that gave, doth now his gift confound.
Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth,
And delves the parallels in beauty's brow,
Feeds on the rarities of nature's truth,
And nothing stands but for his scythe to mow.
And yet to times in hope my verse shall stand,
Praising thy worth, despite his cruel hand.

1.  What is Shakespeare’s purpose in writing this sonnet?

2.  What parallels can be drawn between the two texts?

3.  What is Nancy Farmer’s purpose in writing her novel?

4.  Which text, if any, is more realistic?

Read Dylan Thomas’s “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”. Find sources on the internet which might help in your understanding of the meaning of this poem. As you develop an understanding of this work, keep in mind any relationship you might see between this and The House of the Scorpion.

Do not go gentle into that good night

by Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

1.  What themes are consistent in these works?

2.  How do the different author’s approach the idea of rebellion and death?

3.  See if you can find a third poem with a similar theme. Give title and author.

Page 11 - Human Cloning Pros/Cons

http://library.thinkquest.org/18258/cloning.htm

http://www.animalresearch.info/en/medical-advances/151/cloning-dolly-the-sheep/

http://bootstrike.com/Genetics/Cloning/dolly_the_sheep.php

Pros: (minimum of 10) Cons: (minimum of 10) Summary: Opinion essay 150 words

Page 12 - Letter

Write a letter to the president of the medical profession to convince the medical community of your view on human cloning. The letter must include a call to action, you must convince the reader to do something (cast a certain vote, petition a governing body, etc.). You must include facts/examples to support your opinion. Minimum four-paragraph letter (introduction, two paragraphs using the topics described above, and a closing paragraph). The letter must be in business format.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonplans/Format.pdf