Reading
Lesson Plan

Problem Solving Tree

Learning Objective:
Clarify word meaning using context clues and a variety of resources, including dictionaries and thesauruses.

Teacher Directions:
In journal #15: We Send Our Thoughts and Prayers, Ed discusses the greatest challenge or problem to date for the team. Ironically, it had nothing to do with the mountain, the physical condition of any team member or even the weather. On the other side of the world — back in the United States — the unthinkable happened. The terrorist attack in the U.S. shocked the world and certainly every American. As Ed stated:

Use the Problem/Solution* diagram to define the problem for the team and work through alternative solutions. Read the team biographies and all of the journals to learn as much as you can about the team. Make inferences based on what you know about them, and think through the problem and possible solutions from their point of view as much as possible.

Discuss: Did the diagram help you understand their decision to continue the climb? How did reading the biographies help you understand their decision? People have differing opinions about how to continue after the tragedy. On the one hand, sporting events were cancelled. On the other hand, life continued as normal for many other people. How do you feel? Would you understand if the team had suspended the expedition?

Remember to share your thoughts, feelings and expressions of support in the Discussion Groups area.

Resources:
All Journals (listed in Reading Trails)
Journal #15: We Send Our Thoughts and Prayers
Team members’ biographies (available from Basecamp)
EverestQuest Discussion Groups

Activity Sheet:
Problem/Solution*

Assessment:
Use the Comprehension section of the Reading Assessment* sheet.