The Activity

This activity will be done outside in order to have students more physically connected with the outside world. 

Directions:

You will have thirty (30) minutes to write down in complete sentences a list of 5-6 different observations about the place you observed, no matter how common or everyday it may be. There is to be absolute silence when outside so that observations can be focused purely on nature without any human interuption. Sketching the place in detail is strongly encouraged, but not required.  Physical characteristics and memories or images that the place evokes are examples of what you could write down.

On Thursday.April 5th you will informally present to the class your particular place and what your observations were.  Everyone will be encouraged to offer their own associations, if any, with each place as everyone speaks. 

Lastly, a closing discussion that reemphasizes the omnipresence of nature not only in Thoreau’s world but also our own completes the class period.

The Task

How can a closer examination of the natural world around us relate to our everyday lives? 

Indicate where in the excerpts from Walden, or Life in the Woods you see examples of Thoreau closely scrutinizing nature around him.

Due on Tuesday, April 10th.

Assignment:

You will present to the class your views on this topic by creating an effective oral presentation about this question.

You may:

• write an essay to be read to the class
• make a powerpoint to be presented from your website or
• create an effective oral presentation using other forms of media.

 

The Rubric

Henry David Thoreau Multimedia

Listen to a June 6, 1998, Weekend Edition report on Thoreau and Walden Pond.