Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover' | English

Starter quiz

What is a suitable definition of a theme?
- the way the information is organised on the page
- a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story ✓
- a form of text where images and words work together to create meaning
True or False? Mars is a smaller planet than Earth.
- True ✓
- False
How many wheels did the Curiosity rover use to navigate the Martian surface?
- 2
- 4
- 6 ✓
- 8
What is the name of the publisher of the text, 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover'?
- Macmillan Children's Books
- Walker Studio ✓
- Graffeg Books
- Barrington Stoke
Match the following words with their definitions.
- wonder
  
  ⇔
  
  amazement or curiosity about something unknown ✓
- curiosity
  
  ⇔
  
  desire to learn or know something ✓
- determination
  
  ⇔
  
  not giving up, staying focused on goals ✓
What is the name of the astronomy expert who was consulted on the text?
- 'Stuart Atkinson' ✓

Match the keywords to the correct definitions.
- theme
  
  ⇔
  
  a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story ✓
- convey
  
  ⇔
  
  to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly ✓
- innovation
  
  ⇔
  
  bringing about new ideas, methods, products or solutions ✓
True or false? ‘Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover’ answers all the questions it raises.
- True
- False ✓
What was the name of the new rover that the team at NASA launched in 2020?
- Curiosity
- Perseverance ✓
- Endeavor
- Discovery
- Voyager
Which of the following is true about the Mars Perseverance rover?
- the majority of the Perseverance rover’s cameras are in colour ✓
- the Perseverance rover’s cameras are only in black and white
- the Perseverance rover was launched in 2019
- the Perseverance rover is able to use heavier equipment and tools ✓
Match the theme to how it is conveyed in the text.
- discovery
  
  ⇔
  
  the Curiosity rover found evidence of past water, including lake beds ✓
- innovation
  
  ⇔
  
  Curiosity has a nuclear-powered battery, which powered the rover ✓
- awe and wonder
  
  ⇔
  
  the rover has captured stunning images of the Martian landscape ✓
Which of the following themes may be drawn from ‘Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover’?
- discovery ✓
- good vs evil
- science and technology ✓
- determination ✓
- betrayal

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Since the text’s publication, the Curiosity rover has continued to explore Mars’ surface.
Innovation is a key theme within the text - the team at NASA had to think creatively and come up with solutions.
Revisiting a text can allow readers to discuss questions that focus on themes.
The Curiosity rover mission answered many questions, while posing new ones simultaneously.

Pupils may find it challenging to think of themes.

During Task B, discuss common themes and model thinking out loud some suggestions (e.g. collaboration, determination).

Theme - a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text
Convey - to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly
Innovation - the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value