My Students

The Science and Technology classes have no relevant science fiction books, and the books that are remaining are old enough to terrify Poe!

My public high school students are dominantly male, usually are 3-1 ratio.

They are members of an "academy," which focuses on hands-on, math-heavy job skills (welding, automotive technology, construction). For the most part, the reading and language ability levels are lower than the other academies. Many of the students have never read a book on their own. There are multiple students with emotional and learning disabilities, as well as students with 504 plans. They're eager to learn, but need something interesting as a vehicle to deliver that knowledge.

My Project

My students are great, but like everybody, they need motivation to succeed. "World War Z" not only covers a topic they know and love (zombies), but is written in a style like "War of the Worlds." The word "zombie" tends to scare people off, but if it is replaced with "super virus" or "epidemic," suddenly it's very interesting. The book relates to current political and cultural situations on a global scale, and is more about the way people treat each other than anything else. Recent testing changes also show a demand for expository text, such as personal interviews, and the novel is written as a series of fictional interviews after the "zombie war" has ended." My students will be able to apply science and technology resources, especially medical and biological resources, to the text, will have relevant, cultural discussions and comparisons, will analyze expository text, and will also create a project projecting what would happen if the "super virus" actually came to be.

In a culture that is so immersed in instant gratification through the internet, smart-phones, and television, it's often a struggle to get students interested in reading after elementary school.

Several students have commented on how much they have enjoyed reading this book, or similar books, on their own time. The text is relevant, well-written and received, and is engaging to students who struggle to become engaged.