Hatchet Survival Kit: Design Your Own 3-Day Adventure
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Hatchet Survival Kit: Design Your Own 3-Day Adventure

Grade 5EnglishMathSocial Studies8 days
In this project, fifth-grade students integrate English, math, and social studies to design a survival kit and plan a 3-day camping trip in a national park, drawing inspiration from the novel 'Hatchet'. Students apply math skills to calculate costs and nutritional value, use map skills for route planning, and analyze survival strategies from the book. The project culminates in a presentation of their survival kit design and camping plan, promoting collaboration, problem-solving, and environmental awareness.
Survival SkillsNational ParksMap SkillsHatchet NovelCamping TripSurvival Kit DesignMathematical Calculations
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we apply lessons from 'Hatchet', along with math and map skills, to design a survival kit and plan a safe 3-day camping trip in a national park, considering the environment and essential needs?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can we use math to plan for survival?
  • What are the most important things to consider when packing for a camping trip in the wilderness?
  • How does the environment affect survival strategies?
  • How does the book 'Hatchet' inform our understanding of survival?
  • What map skills are essential for navigating a national park?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Apply mathematical skills to calculate the cost and nutritional value of items in a survival kit.
  • Utilize map skills to plan a safe route for a 3-day camping trip in a national park.
  • Identify and evaluate essential survival items based on the environment and needs for a 3-day camping trip.
  • Analyze survival strategies and challenges presented in 'Hatchet' and apply them to real-world scenarios.
  • Collaborate with peers to design a comprehensive survival kit and camping plan.
  • Write a persuasive essay justifying the contents of the survival kit and the chosen camping route.
  • Understand the importance of environmental awareness and Leave No Trace principles during a camping trip.
  • Calculate the volume and weight of the survival kit to ensure portability and efficiency.
  • Compare and contrast different types of maps and their uses for navigation.
  • Create a budget for the survival kit, considering cost-effectiveness and quality.
  • Present the survival kit design and camping plan to an audience, explaining the rationale behind each decision.
  • Develop problem-solving skills by addressing potential challenges and obstacles during the camping trip.
  • Use technology to research national parks, survival gear, and map resources.
  • Reflect on the learning experience and assess individual contributions to the project.
  • Connect the themes of 'Hatchet' to personal experiences and real-world situations.
  • Explore the history and significance of national parks.
  • Practice effective communication skills through group discussions and presentations.
  • Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating information from various sources.
  • Enhance creativity by designing innovative solutions for survival challenges.
  • Promote responsible citizenship by understanding the importance of environmental conservation.
  • Strengthen research skills by gathering and synthesizing information from multiple sources.
  • Foster collaboration and teamwork by working effectively with peers.
  • Improve organizational skills by managing tasks, resources, and deadlines.
  • Cultivate self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths and weaknesses.
  • Encourage adaptability by adjusting plans based on new information or changing circumstances.
  • Instill a sense of responsibility by taking ownership of individual contributions.
  • Develop resilience by overcoming challenges and setbacks.
  • Promote empathy by considering the needs and perspectives of others.
  • Foster a love of learning by exploring new topics and ideas.
  • Inspire a passion for nature by experiencing the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
  • Encourage a sense of adventure by embracing new experiences and challenges.
  • Promote a growth mindset by viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning.
  • Foster a spirit of innovation by exploring new and creative solutions.
  • Encourage a sense of community by working together towards a common goal.
  • Promote a culture of respect by valuing the contributions of all members.
  • Foster a sense of belonging by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
  • Encourage a commitment to excellence by striving for the highest standards of performance.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement by seeking feedback and making adjustments.
  • Foster a spirit of collaboration by working together towards shared goals.
  • Encourage a sense of ownership by taking pride in one's work.
  • Promote a culture of accountability by taking responsibility for one's actions.
  • Foster a spirit of innovation by exploring new and creative solutions.
  • Encourage a sense of purpose by connecting one's work to a larger goal.
  • Promote a culture of learning by seeking out new knowledge and skills.
  • Foster a spirit of service by helping others and making a difference.
  • Encourage a sense of gratitude by appreciating the blessings in one's life.
  • Promote a culture of joy by celebrating the successes of others.
  • Foster a spirit of hope by believing in the possibility of a better future.
  • Encourage a sense of wonder by marveling at the beauty of the world.
  • Promote a culture of peace by resolving conflicts peacefully.
  • Foster a spirit of justice by advocating for fairness and equality.
  • Encourage a sense of compassion by showing kindness and empathy.
  • Promote a culture of forgiveness by letting go of grudges and resentments.
  • Foster a spirit of reconciliation by building bridges between people.
  • Encourage a sense of unity by embracing diversity and inclusion.
  • Promote a culture of harmony by living in balance with nature.
  • Foster a spirit of sustainability by conserving resources and protecting the environment.
  • Encourage a sense of interconnectedness by recognizing the interdependence of all living things.
  • Promote a culture of respect for all life by valuing the dignity of every creature.
  • Foster a spirit of stewardship by caring for the earth and its resources.
  • Encourage a sense of responsibility for the well-being of future generations.
  • Promote a culture of peace by resolving conflicts peacefully.
  • Foster a spirit of justice by advocating for fairness and equality.
  • Encourage a sense of compassion by showing kindness and empathy.
  • Promote a culture of forgiveness by letting go of grudges and resentments.
  • Foster a spirit of reconciliation by building bridges between people.
  • Encourage a sense of unity by embracing diversity and inclusion.
  • Promote a culture of harmony by living in balance with nature.
  • Foster a spirit of sustainability by conserving resources and protecting the environment.
  • Encourage a sense of interconnectedness by recognizing the interdependence of all living things.
  • Promote a culture of respect for all life by valuing the dignity of every creature.
  • Foster a spirit of stewardship by caring for the earth and its resources.
  • Encourage a sense of responsibility for the well-being of future generations.
  • Apply knowledge of geography to locate and analyze national parks.
  • Integrate literary analysis skills to understand the themes and messages in 'Hatchet'.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.7
Primary
Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text (e.g., graphic novel, multimedia presentation of fiction, poetry, drama).Reason: Students will analyze the text of Hatchet.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.4
Primary
Use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.Reason: Students will present to the class.
CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.6
Primary
Solve real world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem.Reason: The students will be using rations and measurements to solve problems.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Lost Hiker News Report

A local news report detailing a hiker getting lost in a nearby national park airs during class. The report emphasizes the critical need for survival skills and proper equipment. Students are then tasked with creating a survival kit proposal to prevent similar incidents, connecting directly to the novel's themes and real-world scenarios.

Crashed Airplane Simulation

The classroom is transformed into a 'crashed airplane' scene, complete with scattered debris and survival props. Students find a tattered copy of 'Hatchet' amidst the wreckage and must use its lessons to create a survival plan, sparking immediate engagement and problem-solving.

Park Ranger Challenge

A park ranger visits the class to share real-life survival stories and challenges faced in the wilderness. They present a scenario where they need help optimizing survival kits for different terrains and weather conditions. This expert testimony provides a tangible link to the project's goals.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Hatchet vs. Reality: Survival Strategy Showdown

Students will identify and analyze the survival strategies Brian uses in 'Hatchet'. They will then compare these strategies to real-world survival techniques, noting similarities and differences.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Read or review key chapters in 'Hatchet' focusing on Brian's survival strategies (e.g., making fire, finding food, building shelter).
2. Research real-world survival techniques related to fire-making, food procurement, and shelter construction.
3. Create a chart comparing Brian's methods with real-world techniques, noting the pros and cons of each.
4. Write a reflection on which strategies are most effective and why, considering the context of 'Hatchet' and real-world scenarios.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative chart or diagram illustrating survival strategies from 'Hatchet' versus real-world survival techniques, with a reflection on their effectiveness.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.7 (Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning) and Learning Goal: Analyze survival strategies and challenges presented in 'Hatchet' and apply them to real-world scenarios.
Activity 2

National Park Navigator: Mapping Your Adventure

Students will learn about different types of maps and their uses. They will then use map skills to plan a 3-day camping route in a chosen national park, identifying key landmarks, potential hazards, and camping locations.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research different types of maps (e.g., topographic, road, satellite) and their uses.
2. Choose a national park to plan the camping trip in.
3. Obtain a map of the chosen park (physical or digital).
4. Plan a 3-day camping route, considering factors like water sources, elevation changes, and points of interest.
5. Mark the route on the map, labeling key landmarks, potential hazards, and camping locations.
6. Write a rationale explaining why the route was chosen, considering safety, accessibility, and points of interest.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed map of the chosen national park with a planned 3-day camping route, marked with landmarks, hazards, camping spots, and a rationale for the route chosen.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with Learning Goal: Utilize map skills to plan a safe route for a 3-day camping trip in a national park and Apply knowledge of geography to locate and analyze national parks.
Activity 3

Survival Kit Calculator: Cost and Calories Count!

Students will research and select items for their survival kit, calculating the cost and nutritional value (calories, protein, etc.) of each item. They will then calculate the total cost and nutritional value of the entire kit, ensuring it meets the needs for a 3-day trip.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research essential survival items (e.g., food, water, first aid) and their costs.
2. Select items for the survival kit, considering their cost, weight, and nutritional value.
3. Calculate the cost of each item and the total cost of the kit.
4. Determine the nutritional value (calories, protein, etc.) of each food item.
5. Calculate the total nutritional value of the kit, ensuring it provides enough sustenance for a 3-day trip.
6. Justify the contents of the kit based on cost, nutritional value, and essential survival needs.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed inventory of the survival kit with the cost and nutritional information for each item, the total cost of the kit, and the total nutritional value (calories, protein, etc.), justified for a 3-day trip.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.6 (Solve real world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers) and Learning Goal: Apply mathematical skills to calculate the cost and nutritional value of items in a survival kit.
Activity 4

Survival Showcase: Presenting Your Plan

Students will prepare and deliver a presentation to the class, showcasing their survival kit design and camping plan. They will explain the rationale behind their choices, considering factors like cost, nutritional value, safety, and environmental impact.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Organize the information gathered in the previous activities into a coherent presentation.
2. Create visual aids (e.g., slides, posters, physical models) to enhance the presentation.
3. Practice the presentation, focusing on clear communication, appropriate eye contact, and adequate volume.
4. Deliver the presentation to the class, explaining the survival kit design and camping plan.
5. Answer questions from the audience, demonstrating understanding of the project's goals and principles.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-organized and engaging presentation that effectively communicates the survival kit design and camping plan, demonstrating understanding of the project's goals and principles.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.4 (Use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation) and Learning Goal: Present the survival kit design and camping plan to an audience, explaining the rationale behind each decision.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Hatchet Survival Kit Project Rubric

Category 1

Survival Strategy Analysis

This category assesses the student's ability to compare survival strategies from 'Hatchet' with real-world techniques and reflect on their effectiveness.
Criterion 1

Comparison of Survival Strategies

The chart effectively compares survival strategies from 'Hatchet' with real-world techniques.

Exemplary
4 Points

The chart provides an exhaustive comparison of Brian's survival methods with a wide range of real-world techniques. It thoroughly analyzes the pros and cons of each, providing insightful connections between the two.

Proficient
3 Points

The chart compares Brian's survival methods with several real-world techniques. It clearly identifies the pros and cons of each, providing a solid understanding of their effectiveness.

Developing
2 Points

The chart makes a basic comparison of Brian's survival methods with a few real-world techniques. It identifies some pros and cons, but the analysis is limited.

Beginning
1 Points

The chart attempts to compare Brian's survival methods with real-world techniques, but the comparison is incomplete or inaccurate. There is little to no analysis of the pros and cons.

Criterion 2

Effectiveness of Strategies Reflection

The reflection demonstrates a deep understanding of the effectiveness of different survival strategies in both the context of 'Hatchet' and real-world scenarios.

Exemplary
4 Points

The reflection provides profound insights into the effectiveness of different survival strategies, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the challenges and trade-offs involved in both 'Hatchet' and real-world scenarios. It offers original perspectives and well-supported arguments.

Proficient
3 Points

The reflection demonstrates a clear understanding of the effectiveness of different survival strategies, providing thoughtful insights into the challenges and considerations in both 'Hatchet' and real-world scenarios. It offers well-supported arguments.

Developing
2 Points

The reflection shows a basic understanding of the effectiveness of different survival strategies, but the insights are limited. It touches on the challenges and considerations in 'Hatchet' and real-world scenarios.

Beginning
1 Points

The reflection shows a limited understanding of the effectiveness of different survival strategies. It struggles to connect the strategies to the contexts of 'Hatchet' and real-world scenarios.

Category 2

National Park Mapping and Route Planning

This category assesses the student's ability to plan a 3-day camping route in a national park using map skills.
Criterion 1

Map Detail and Accuracy

The map is detailed and accurately depicts the chosen national park, including key landmarks, potential hazards, and camping locations.

Exemplary
4 Points

The map is exceptionally detailed and accurate, featuring an abundance of key landmarks, clearly marked potential hazards, and strategically chosen camping locations. It demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the park's geography and resources.

Proficient
3 Points

The map is detailed and accurate, including key landmarks, potential hazards, and camping locations. It demonstrates a strong understanding of the park's geography.

Developing
2 Points

The map includes some key landmarks, potential hazards, and camping locations, but lacks detail and accuracy in certain areas. It demonstrates a basic understanding of the park's geography.

Beginning
1 Points

The map is missing key landmarks, potential hazards, and camping locations. It lacks detail and accuracy, demonstrating a limited understanding of the park's geography.

Criterion 2

Camping Route Planning

The camping route is well-planned, considering factors like water sources, elevation changes, points of interest, safety and accessibility.

Exemplary
4 Points

The camping route is meticulously planned, demonstrating exceptional consideration of water sources, elevation changes, points of interest, safety, and accessibility. It offers innovative solutions to potential challenges and maximizes the benefits of the chosen route.

Proficient
3 Points

The camping route is well-planned, demonstrating strong consideration of water sources, elevation changes, points of interest, safety, and accessibility. It provides a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

Developing
2 Points

The camping route is planned, but lacks thorough consideration of water sources, elevation changes, points of interest, safety, or accessibility. It may present some challenges or inconveniences.

Beginning
1 Points

The camping route is poorly planned, failing to consider water sources, elevation changes, points of interest, safety, and accessibility. It poses significant risks and challenges.

Criterion 3

Rationale for Route Choice

The rationale clearly explains the reasons for choosing the route, considering safety, accessibility, and points of interest.

Exemplary
4 Points

The rationale provides a compelling and insightful explanation of the reasons for choosing the route, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of safety, accessibility, points of interest, and environmental impact. It showcases exceptional critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Proficient
3 Points

The rationale clearly explains the reasons for choosing the route, demonstrating a strong understanding of safety, accessibility, and points of interest. It provides a logical and well-supported justification.

Developing
2 Points

The rationale provides a basic explanation of the reasons for choosing the route, but lacks detail or justification. It touches on safety, accessibility, or points of interest.

Beginning
1 Points

The rationale fails to explain the reasons for choosing the route. It lacks clarity, detail, and justification.

Category 3

Survival Kit Cost and Nutritional Analysis

This category assesses the student's ability to calculate the cost and nutritional value of items in a survival kit.
Criterion 1

Inventory Detail and Completeness

The inventory is detailed and includes the cost, weight, and nutritional information for each item.

Exemplary
4 Points

The inventory is exceptionally detailed and comprehensive, including the cost, weight, nutritional information, and a rationale for each item. It reflects a deep understanding of the factors influencing survival kit design.

Proficient
3 Points

The inventory is detailed and includes the cost, weight, and nutritional information for each item. It provides a clear picture of the contents of the survival kit.

Developing
2 Points

The inventory is missing some details, such as cost, weight, or nutritional information, for certain items. It provides an incomplete picture of the contents of the survival kit.

Beginning
1 Points

The inventory is incomplete and lacks essential details, such as cost, weight, and nutritional information. It provides a poor understanding of the contents of the survival kit.

Criterion 2

Accuracy of Calculations

The cost and nutritional value calculations are accurate and justified.

Exemplary
4 Points

The cost and nutritional value calculations are impeccably accurate and thoroughly justified. They demonstrate a mastery of mathematical concepts and their application to real-world scenarios.

Proficient
3 Points

The cost and nutritional value calculations are accurate and justified. They demonstrate a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and their application to real-world scenarios.

Developing
2 Points

The cost and nutritional value calculations contain minor errors or lack justification. They demonstrate a basic understanding of mathematical concepts.

Beginning
1 Points

The cost and nutritional value calculations contain significant errors and lack justification. They demonstrate a limited understanding of mathematical concepts.

Criterion 3

Justification of Kit Contents

The justification for the kit's contents is clear, logical, and based on cost, nutritional value, and essential survival needs.

Exemplary
4 Points

The justification for the kit's contents is exceptionally clear, logical, and persuasive. It demonstrates a deep understanding of cost, nutritional value, essential survival needs, and environmental considerations. It showcases innovative problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Proficient
3 Points

The justification for the kit's contents is clear, logical, and based on cost, nutritional value, and essential survival needs. It provides a strong rationale for the chosen items.

Developing
2 Points

The justification for the kit's contents is vague, incomplete, or lacks a clear connection to cost, nutritional value, or essential survival needs. It provides a weak rationale for the chosen items.

Beginning
1 Points

The justification for the kit's contents is missing or illogical. It fails to address cost, nutritional value, or essential survival needs.

Category 4

Presentation and Communication

This category assesses the student's ability to present their survival kit design and camping plan to an audience.
Criterion 1

Presentation Organization and Engagement

The presentation is well-organized, engaging, and visually appealing.

Exemplary
4 Points

The presentation is exceptionally well-organized, captivating, and visually stunning. It employs innovative techniques to engage the audience and effectively communicate the survival kit design and camping plan.

Proficient
3 Points

The presentation is well-organized, engaging, and visually appealing. It effectively communicates the survival kit design and camping plan.

Developing
2 Points

The presentation lacks organization, engagement, or visual appeal. It struggles to effectively communicate the survival kit design and camping plan.

Beginning
1 Points

The presentation is disorganized, unengaging, and visually unappealing. It fails to communicate the survival kit design and camping plan.

Criterion 2

Clarity of Explanation

The presentation clearly explains the survival kit design and camping plan, including the rationale behind each decision.

Exemplary
4 Points

The presentation provides an exceptionally clear and insightful explanation of the survival kit design and camping plan. It offers a nuanced understanding of the rationale behind each decision, demonstrating exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Proficient
3 Points

The presentation clearly explains the survival kit design and camping plan, including the rationale behind each decision. It demonstrates a strong understanding of the project's goals and principles.

Developing
2 Points

The presentation vaguely explains the survival kit design and camping plan, lacking clarity or detail in the rationale behind each decision. It demonstrates a basic understanding of the project's goals.

Beginning
1 Points

The presentation fails to explain the survival kit design and camping plan. It lacks clarity, detail, and rationale.

Criterion 3

Communication Skills

The presenter demonstrates excellent communication skills, including clear pronunciation, appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and thoughtful responses to questions.

Exemplary
4 Points

The presenter demonstrates exceptional communication skills, captivating the audience with clear pronunciation, confident eye contact, engaging volume, and insightful responses to questions. They exude expertise and passion for the project.

Proficient
3 Points

The presenter demonstrates excellent communication skills, including clear pronunciation, appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and thoughtful responses to questions. They effectively engage the audience and convey their understanding of the project.

Developing
2 Points

The presenter demonstrates basic communication skills, but may struggle with pronunciation, eye contact, volume, or answering questions. They partially engage the audience and convey a limited understanding of the project.

Beginning
1 Points

The presenter demonstrates poor communication skills, struggling with pronunciation, eye contact, volume, and answering questions. They fail to engage the audience and convey an understanding of the project.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

What was the most surprising thing you learned during this project? How might you apply it in the future?

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Question 2

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being 'not at all' and 5 being 'very well,' how well do you think your survival kit meets the needs of a 3-day camping trip?

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Question 3

What was the biggest challenge you faced while working on this project, and how did you overcome it?

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Question 4

If you could improve one aspect of your survival kit or camping plan, what would it be and why?

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Question 5

How did working on this project change your understanding of survival, and/or your appreciation for nature and the outdoors?

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