High School Book Report Project Rubric (100 Points) Project Overview: Students may choose one format to present a book they have read. The project must demonstrate understanding of the book, thoughtful analysis, and effort. Projects are due by May 4, 2

### Book Report Presentation on *The Martian* by Andy Weir --- #### Slide 1: Title Slide - **Title:** The Martian - **Author:** Andy Weir - **Presented by:** [Your Name] - **Date:** May 4, 2026 --- #### Slide 2: Introduction - Brief overview of *The Martian* - Genre: Science Fiction, Survival - Published: 2011 - Brief synopsis (Mark Watney stranded on Mars) --- #### Slide 3: Plot Summary - The story follows astronaut Mark Watney after a dust storm forces his crew to leave Mars, presumed dead. - Key plot points: - Watney's struggle to survive using his ingenuity and robotics skills. - Communication with NASA through the Mars rover. - The incredible timeline of NASA's rescue mission. --- #### Slide 4: Characters - **Mark Watney:** Protagonist, botanist, and engineer, embodies resilience and humor. - **Mindy Park:** Satellite communications engineer, pivotal in recognizing Mark is alive. - **Teddy Sanders:** Director of NASA, deals with the challenges of the rescue mission. - **The Ares 3 Crew:** Represents teamwork and camaraderie. --- #### Slide 5: Central Themes 1. **Survival:** The human spirit's will to survive against insurmountable odds. 2. **Ingenuity:** Problem-solving through science and creativity. 3. **Isolation and Community:** Struggles with solitude and reliance on teamwork. --- #### Slide 6: Author’s Message - Weir emphasizes the importance of science and technology in overcoming challenges. - Highlights human resilience and the need for teamwork, even when separated by vast distances. --- #### Slide 7: Symbolism - **Potatoes:** Represent sustenance, hope, and resourcefulness. - **The Martian landscape:** A metaphor for isolation and the unknown. - **NASA and technology:** A symbol of human ingenuity and collaboration. --- #### Slide 8: Analysis & Critical Thinking - Mark's experiences reflect real scientific principles, enhancing the story’s realism. - The balance between humor and dire circumstances makes the narrative engaging. - The novel serves as a commentary on modern space exploration. --- #### Slide 9: Creative Elements - Possible creative project ideas: - **Board Game:** "Survivor: The Martian" - Players must strategize how to "survive" on Mars. - **Scrapbook:** Visual representation of Mark's journey, including photos, newspaper clippings of NASA efforts, and quotes from the book. --- #### Slide 10: Conclusion - *The Martian* is a profound exploration of human resilience and ingenuity set against the harsh backdrop of Mars. - Andy Weir successfully weaves a narrative that is both scientifically engaging and relatable through its humor and human connection. - Questions? --- ### Presentation Tips - **Practice** your delivery to ensure clarity and a smooth flow. - **Engage** your audience by asking questions or using visuals they can relate to. - **Use Notes Wisely** – have a few talking points handy, but avoid reading directly from slides. - **Time Management:** Keep each slide to about 1-2 minutes. ### Overall Presentation Assessment Ensure adherence to the provided rubric: 1. **Understanding of the Book** (Deep insights into themes and plot) 2. **Analysis & Critical Thinking** (Thoughtful interpretation and reflections) 3. **Format Expectations & Creativity** (Professional design and creative component) 4. **Effort & Quality of Work** (Polished, detailed presentation) 5. **Clarity & Communication** (Organized, coherent, and engaging) This structure is designed to showcase a comprehensive understanding of *The Martian* while also fulfilling the expectations of your rubric for a high school project. Good luck!