The Last Dog: Survival Story
A Journey Through Katherine Paterson's Post-Apocalyptic Tale Grade 7 Literature Study
About Katherine Paterson
Award-winning American author Born in China in 1932 Famous for Bridge to Terabithia Two-time Newbery Medal winner
What Makes a Good Survival Story?
Think about survival stories you know What elements make them exciting? What challenges do characters face?
Setting the Scene
Post-apocalyptic world Underground dome communities Surface world considered dangerous Technology vs. nature conflict
Meet Brock
Young boy living in the dome Curious about the outside world Different from other dome dwellers Questions the rules and restrictions
Life in the Dome vs. Surface World
{"left":"Safe and controlled environment\nAdvanced technology\nLimited freedom\nArtificial atmosphere","right":"Unknown and dangerous\nNatural environment\nComplete freedom\nReal air and sunlight"}
The Decision to Explore
Brock receives permission to visit surface Scientific research mission Wearing protective suit First human to go outside in years
Prediction Activity
What do you think Brock will find on the surface? Write down 3 predictions Share with a partner
First Steps on the Surface
Brock emerges from underground Discovers a world full of life Plants and animals everywhere Realizes the dome dwellers were wrong
A Moment of Wonder
The world was not dead. It was gloriously, abundantly alive.
The Discovery of the Dog
Brock encounters a strange creature Four legs, fur, tail Unlike any dome animal The creature seems friendly
What is This Creature?
Brock has never seen a dog before How would you describe a dog to someone who had never seen one? What makes dogs special companions?
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