Directions Module 1 Final Project

Option 1: Keystone-Style Writing Prompt

Option 1: Answer the Keystone Style Question Below

Write a clear, step‑by‑step procedure another student can follow to determine the theme of the assigned passage from "To Build a Fire," then apply that procedure to answer the following prompt: What is the theme of Jack London's "To Build a Fire?" How does the author communicate the theme? Include at least two pieces of evidence in your response and comment on how your evidence supports your chosen theme.

Theme is a full sentence that is universally applicable. It should not contain character names or plot points.

Example using "Everyday Use"

Title: Finding Theme: Step‑by‑Step Procedure for "Everyday Use"

Purpose: Follow these steps to identify a passage’s theme, gather evidence, and explain how the author develops that theme.

Materials: passage from "Everyday Use," highlighter, notebook/paper, pen

Procedure:

1. Read the passage straight through to get an understanding of the text

Theme Analysis:

Option 2: STEM Activity

Option 2: STEM Activity

Directions: For this assignment, you will research and brainstorm what type of shelter the character from the story would need to survive the harsh elements of the Yukon. Then, you will compose a procedural writing piece indicating how to build that structure. Lastly, you will craft a micro shelter with materials you have at your disposal in nature or in your STEM kit.

** If you cannot craft the micro shelter due to resources and/or space, please sketch the micro shelter. **

STEM Activity

1. List three main purposes of the character’s need to build a shelter:

2. Brainstorm, research, and think about which shelter style would best fit the climate of the setting and the needs of the character.

• Include the URL for the website you used:
• Indicate what you learned about the structure and explain why this structure is the best choice:

3. Using elements found in nature or your STEM kit, build a micro version of the shelter that best suits the character’s needs and take a picture. If you cannot build a micro shelter due to resources and/or space, sketch the final product.

4. Procedural Writing: As you build/sketch the shelter, write the procedural steps needed to recreate the structure.

• First
• Secondly
• Next
• Then
• Finally

STEM Activity

Procedural Text Final Product:

Please remember to include at least the following:

• Sketch of shelter or picture of finished micro shelter.
• The reason this character needs this shelter to survive. (What are the challenges they are facing?)
• The steps and materials needed to create this shelter.
• How would this shelter help the character to survive?

The passage suggests that respect for heritage is expressed through everyday use and practical care, not only through display or aesthetic appreciation. This is clearly seen when Mama and Maggie carefully handle the quilts and show the reader how to store the quilts. Their actions show respect as they preserve quilts to keep memories alive and for continued use, which supports the idea that heritage is practiced in daily life. Dee also shows desire to claim the quilts as her own, but as art or display within her home. Dee’s focus on aesthetic or symbolic ownership contrasts with Mama and Maggie’s practical approach, highlighting differing attitudes toward heritage and reinforcing the theme that true respect may be practical rather than performative.