Novel Food Trucks: A Literary Culinary Experience
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Novel Food Trucks: A Literary Culinary Experience

Grade 8English45 days
★★★★★
5.0 (1 rating)
In this project, 8th-grade students design a food truck inspired by a novel they've read. They use textual evidence to connect the truck's theme, design, and menu to the novel's characters, themes, and symbols. This project encourages students to apply literary analysis skills in a creative and engaging way, demonstrating their understanding of the novel through the food truck concept.
Literary AnalysisFood Truck DesignTextual EvidenceCharacter AnalysisTheme DevelopmentPlot Structure
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a food truck that brings a novel to life, using textual evidence to showcase its characters, themes, and symbols in a delicious and meaningful way?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can a food truck effectively represent the key elements of a novel, such as characters, themes, and symbols?
  • In what ways does the design and menu of a food truck reflect a deep understanding of the novel's plot and character development?
  • How can you use textual evidence from the novel to justify the choices made in the food truck's theme, design, and menu?
  • What is the relationship between the food truck's concept and the author's purpose and message in the novel?
  • How does creating a food truck based on a novel enhance your understanding and appreciation of literary analysis and interpretation?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Apply textual evidence to support interpretations of literary works
  • Analyze literary elements such as character, theme, and symbolism
  • Design a food truck concept that reflects key elements of a novel
  • Demonstrate understanding of literary analysis through creative design

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.1
Primary
Draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level texts that strongly supports both what is said explicitly and what is implied, including quoting, and paraphrasing from relevant sections and accurately and citing textual references.Reason: Directly supports the use of textual evidence in the project.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5
Primary
Use evidence from literature to demonstrate understanding of grade-level texts.Reason: Core to demonstrating comprehension of literary texts through evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5a
Primary
Explain stated or implied themes, analyzing their development over the course of texts, and the relationship of characters, setting, and plot to those themes.Reason: Addresses the analysis of themes and their development.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5b
Primary
Analyze how characters are revealed through particular lines of dialogue or events in literary texts.Reason: Focuses on character analysis through textual evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5c
Primary
Analyze how authors structure texts to advance a plot, explaining how each event gives rise to the next or foreshadows a future event.Reason: Addresses plot structure and its impact.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5d
Secondary
Analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader created with dramatic irony result in such effects as suspense or humor.Reason: Explores point of view and dramatic irony, relevant if applicable to the chosen novels.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5e
Secondary
Relate themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works to contemporary stories, poems, or drama.Reason: Connects themes and patterns to other literary works, useful for broader understanding.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Food Truck Failures: A Cautionary Tale

The teacher presents a series of 'food truck fails' – examples of real or fabricated food trucks with terrible branding, confusing menus, or bizarre themes. Students analyze these failures and identify the key elements of a successful literary food truck, setting the stage for their own creative designs.
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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

Character Quote Mining

Students will create character profiles for the main characters in their chosen novel, focusing on direct quotes and paraphrased events that reveal their personalities and motivations.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose 2-3 main characters from your independent reading novel.
2. For each character, identify at least three significant quotes or events from the book that reveal something important about their personality, motivations, or role in the story.
3. Write down the quote or paraphrase the event, citing the page number where it occurs.
4. Beneath each quote or paraphrase, write a 2-3 sentence analysis explaining what the quote/event reveals about the character. Consider their actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed character profile for each main character, including textual evidence (quotes and paraphrases) with citations and brief analyses of how these excerpts reveal character traits.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.1: Drawing evidence from texts; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5: Using evidence to demonstrate understanding; and CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5b: Analyzing character through dialogue and events. This activity sets the foundation for textual evidence analysis related to character.
Activity 2

Theme Excavation

Students will explore the overarching themes of their chosen novel and how these themes are reflected in the characters and plot. They will identify textual evidence that supports their interpretation of these themes.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify 2-3 major themes in your novel (e.g., good vs. evil, love, loss, redemption).
2. For each theme, find at least two pieces of textual evidence (quotes or paraphrased events) that illustrate the theme's presence in the story. Cite the page number.
3. Write a paragraph for each theme, explaining how the textual evidence you selected demonstrates the theme and how it relates to the characters or plot. Explain the theme's development over the course of the novel.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written analysis of the novel's main themes, supported by textual evidence (quotes and paraphrases) that connect the themes to specific characters, plot points, and/or settings.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.1: Drawing evidence from texts; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5: Using evidence to demonstrate understanding; and CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5a: Explaining stated or implied themes. Builds on character analysis to connect themes to character development.
Activity 3

Plot Blueprint

Students will map out the key plot points of their novel and analyze how each event leads to the next, contributing to the overall story arc. They will identify instances of foreshadowing and explain their significance.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify the main events that drive the plot of your novel (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).
2. Create a visual representation of the plot, placing the events in chronological order. You can use a plot diagram template, a storyboard, a mind map, or another format of your choice.
3. For each event, write a brief explanation of how it leads to the next event and contributes to the overall story.
4. Identify any instances of foreshadowing in the novel and explain what they foreshadow and how they create suspense or anticipation.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual plot diagram (e.g., a chart, storyboard, or mind map) that outlines the key events in the novel, including annotations that explain how each event influences the plot and identifies instances of foreshadowing.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5 and CCSS.ELA-Literacy.8.5c: Focuses on understanding how plot structure advances the story. This activity helps students understand the cause-and-effect relationship of events in the novel.
Activity 4

Concept Cuisine

Students will synthesize their character, theme, and plot analyses to develop a comprehensive concept for their literary food truck. This involves selecting a specific theme or character to highlight, choosing a name that reflects the novel's essence, and drafting an initial menu with food items related to specific events or symbols in the story.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review your character profiles, theme analyses, and plot blueprint.
2. Decide on a central theme, character, or element from the novel that you want to showcase in your food truck.
3. Brainstorm names for your food truck that reflect the novel's title, theme, or a key character. Choose the most fitting name.
4. Develop a draft menu with at least 5 food items. Each item should be directly inspired by something from the novel (e.g., a character's favorite food, a dish mentioned during a key scene, a food that symbolizes a theme).
5. For each menu item, write a brief description explaining its connection to the novel. Be specific and use textual evidence to support your choices.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed food truck concept proposal, including: 1. A chosen theme or character focus. 2. A creative and relevant food truck name. 3. A draft menu with at least 5 food items, each connected to a specific element (character, theme, plot point, symbol) from the novel, along with a brief explanation of the connection.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity consolidates understanding and prepares for the food truck design. It directly aligns with Learning Goals: applying textual evidence, analyzing literary elements, and demonstrating literary analysis through creative design. It connects to all standards, with a focus on 8.1, 8.5, 8.5a, 8.5b, and 8.5c. This is the culmination of the previous activities, ensuring students have a deep understanding of the novel before designing their food truck.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Literary Food Truck Rubric

Category 1

Character Quote Mining Analysis

Focuses on the depth of character analysis and the effective use of textual evidence.
Criterion 1

Textual Evidence - Character

The depth and relevance of textual evidence (quotes, paraphrases) chosen to represent the characters.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional insight in selecting textual evidence that vividly portrays character traits and motivations; evidence is seamlessly integrated and powerfully supports analysis.

Proficient
3 Points

Selects textual evidence that clearly portrays character traits and motivations; evidence is well-integrated and supports analysis.

Developing
2 Points

Selects some textual evidence, but relevance to character traits and motivations is not always clear; integration is superficial, and analysis is limited.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to select relevant textual evidence; evidence is missing or inappropriate, and no analysis is provided.

Criterion 2

Character Analysis

The quality and depth of analysis connecting textual evidence to character traits and motivations.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides insightful and nuanced analysis that reveals a deep understanding of character complexity and motivations; analysis is original and goes beyond the obvious.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides thorough analysis that demonstrates a clear understanding of character complexity and motivations; analysis is well-supported by textual evidence.

Developing
2 Points

Provides basic analysis that shows some understanding of character traits, but lacks depth and nuance; connection to textual evidence is superficial.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides minimal or no analysis, showing little to no understanding of character traits or motivations.

Criterion 3

Citation Accuracy

Proper citation and use of textual evidence

Exemplary
4 Points

All textual evidence is accurately cited, and sources are flawlessly integrated to support claims, demonstrating advanced understanding of academic integrity.

Proficient
3 Points

Most textual evidence is accurately cited, and sources are well-integrated to support claims, demonstrating strong understanding of academic integrity.

Developing
2 Points

Some textual evidence is cited, but there are inaccuracies or omissions; integration of sources is inconsistent, suggesting a basic understanding of academic integrity.

Beginning
1 Points

Textual evidence is missing or improperly cited, demonstrating a lack of understanding of academic integrity.

Category 2

Theme Excavation Analysis

Focuses on the exploration of themes and the evidence to back it up.
Criterion 1

Textual Evidence - Theme

Selection of relevant textual evidence (quotes, paraphrases) that supports the identified themes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional insight in selecting textual evidence that powerfully illustrates the themes; evidence is seamlessly integrated and elevates the analysis.

Proficient
3 Points

Selects textual evidence that clearly illustrates the themes; evidence is well-integrated and supports the analysis.

Developing
2 Points

Selects some textual evidence, but relevance to the identified themes is not always clear; integration is superficial, and the analysis is limited.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to select relevant textual evidence; evidence is missing or inappropriate, and no analysis is provided.

Criterion 2

Theme Analysis

The quality and depth of analysis connecting textual evidence to the development of the themes throughout the novel.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides insightful and nuanced analysis that reveals a deep understanding of the themes; analysis is original, insightful, and considers the author's purpose.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides thorough analysis that demonstrates a clear understanding of the themes; analysis is well-supported by textual evidence and considers the author's purpose.

Developing
2 Points

Provides basic analysis that shows some understanding of themes, but lacks depth and nuance; connection to textual evidence is superficial.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides minimal or no analysis, showing little to no understanding of the themes.

Criterion 3

Theme Development

Explanation of theme's development.

Exemplary
4 Points

Insightfully explains how the theme evolves throughout the text, demonstrating an exceptional grasp of its significance and impact on the narrative.

Proficient
3 Points

Clearly explains how the theme evolves throughout the text, demonstrating a strong grasp of its significance and impact on the narrative.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a limited explanation of how the theme evolves throughout the text, demonstrating a partial grasp of its significance and impact on the narrative.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to explain how the theme evolves throughout the text, demonstrating a lack of understanding of its significance and impact on the narrative.

Category 3

Plot Blueprint Analysis

Focuses on the structure of plot, events that take place and foreshadowing within.
Criterion 1

Visual Plot Representation

Accuracy and clarity of the visual representation of the plot.

Exemplary
4 Points

Creates an exceptionally clear, accurate, and visually engaging representation of the plot, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of narrative structure.

Proficient
3 Points

Creates a clear, accurate, and visually appealing representation of the plot, demonstrating a strong understanding of narrative structure.

Developing
2 Points

Creates a visual representation of the plot, but it may lack clarity, accuracy, or visual appeal; demonstrates a basic understanding of narrative structure.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to create a clear or accurate visual representation of the plot, demonstrating a limited understanding of narrative structure.

Criterion 2

Event Explanation

Quality of explanations connecting each event to the overall story.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides insightful, detailed, and nuanced explanations of how each event contributes to the overall story, demonstrating a profound understanding of plot development and cause-and-effect relationships.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides clear and thorough explanations of how each event contributes to the overall story, demonstrating a strong understanding of plot development and cause-and-effect relationships.

Developing
2 Points

Provides basic explanations of how each event contributes to the overall story, but lacks depth and detail; demonstrates a partial understanding of plot development and cause-and-effect relationships.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides minimal or no explanation of how each event contributes to the overall story, demonstrating a limited understanding of plot development and cause-and-effect relationships.

Criterion 3

Foreshadowing Analysis

Identification and explanation of foreshadowing.

Exemplary
4 Points

Identifies and insightfully explains the significance of foreshadowing, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of how it builds suspense and anticipation.

Proficient
3 Points

Identifies and clearly explains the significance of foreshadowing, demonstrating a strong understanding of how it builds suspense and anticipation.

Developing
2 Points

Identifies some instances of foreshadowing, but explanation of significance is limited; demonstrates a basic understanding of how it builds suspense and anticipation.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to identify foreshadowing or explain its significance, demonstrating a limited understanding of how it builds suspense and anticipation.

Category 4

Concept Cuisine Analysis

Focuses on the ability to connect the book to the concept of the food truck.
Criterion 1

Theme/Character Focus

Clarity and relevance of the chosen theme or character focus.

Exemplary
4 Points

Chooses an exceptionally relevant and focused theme or character to showcase in the food truck, demonstrating deep understanding of the novel's core elements.

Proficient
3 Points

Chooses a relevant and focused theme or character to showcase in the food truck, demonstrating clear understanding of the novel's core elements.

Developing
2 Points

Chooses a theme or character to showcase in the food truck, but relevance to the novel's core elements may be unclear or superficial.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to choose a relevant theme or character focus for the food truck, demonstrating a limited understanding of the novel's core elements.

Criterion 2

Food Truck Name

Creativity and relevance of the food truck name.

Exemplary
4 Points

Creates an exceptionally creative and relevant food truck name that cleverly captures the novel's essence and intrigues potential customers.

Proficient
3 Points

Creates a creative and relevant food truck name that captures the novel's essence and appeals to potential customers.

Developing
2 Points

Creates a food truck name that is somewhat relevant to the novel, but lacks creativity or appeal.

Beginning
1 Points

Creates a food truck name that is irrelevant or inappropriate for the novel.

Criterion 3

Menu Item Connection

Connection of each food item to specific elements (character, theme, plot point, symbol) from the novel.

Exemplary
4 Points

Every food item is ingeniously linked to a specific element from the novel, and thoroughly explained and supported by textual evidence.

Proficient
3 Points

Each food item is clearly linked to a specific element from the novel, well explained and supported by textual evidence.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to link food items to elements from the novel, but connections are weak or not supported by textual evidence.

Beginning
1 Points

Food items show no clear connection to the novel or its elements.

Reflection Prompts

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

How did creating a food truck based on your novel enhance your understanding of literary analysis?

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Question 2

To what extent did the textual evidence you gathered influence the design and menu of your food truck?

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Question 3

What was the most challenging aspect of designing a food truck that effectively represents the novel's key elements?

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Question 4

If you could redesign your food truck, what changes would you make to better reflect the novel?

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Question 5

Which menu item best represents a key theme or character from the novel, and why?

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