Lesson 8
Topic:Conflict within the novel
Grade Level: Grade 8 (all tracks will be studying the novel Fahrenheit 451) 
Instructional Objectives:
  • Students will utilize prior knowledge of the novel to address the various points of conflict within the novel.
  • Students will explore the characters in the novel to root out conflict.
  • Students will apply their understanding of internal and external conflict to the characters and their relationships with one another.
  • Students will complete a worksheet focusing on conflict in conjunction with the various characters of the novel.
Materials:
Concepts addressed: Characterization, internal conflict, external conflict,
    Click here to view lesson alignment with Pennsylvania State Standards
Standard 1.5.8
 All parts of this standard are used to write each component of the Activity Center.  Students must write in a distinct voice, utilize content from the novel to enhance their responses, write in an organized fashion, formulate a distinct style, edit their work, revise, and present the information in an organized and pleasing manner.
Engagement/ Anticipatory set:
  • Students will be asked to turn in their activity center write-ups.
  • Discussion questions will be asked so students can share their findings with one another.
  • A question will be presented to the students: What do you think the word conflict means/
  • One student will be asked to look up the definition on the dictionary.
  • The term conflict will be elaborated by explaining there are two components to its definition: internal and external conflict. Each definition will be written on the board for students to copy.
Procedure:
  • We will discuss how the characters encounter conflict throughout the novel.
  • Conflict will be illustrated as a characterization devise, getting into the thoughts, feelings, and mind-set of the characters.
  • A handout will be given to the students. They will work in pairs for this portion of the activity. Each pair is responsible for completing the worksheet. Page numbers should be given for where the conflict can be found.
  • Students will come back together as a whole to discuss their results. 
  • Important points of each conflict will be highlighted by myself.
  • Discussion questions will be asked as the conflict is being illustrated. This will enable the students truly understand why the conflict in the story is important to note.
  • Time permitting; students will have the opportunity to read.
Key discussion questions:

§ These can only be determined by the conflicts chosen by the students. They will be devised during the discussion in class.

Closure:
  • Students will once again explain what the term conflict means.
  • Another students will be asked to explain why it is important to study the conflicts within the story.
Extension activity/ Homework:
  • Read to Page 156. Write a journal in the voice of Montag. Describe you r feelings and what has been happening to you. Include events from the burning of his home up to page 156.