\

© 2005 Peter Burkhart

 

A Scandal in Bohemia Lesson One:

Unit/Theme: Sherlock Holmes      Level: Honors

Subject: Seventh Grade English

NYS Standards/ Benchmarks: E2b Student produces a response to literature that demonstrates an understanding of the literary work. E3b: Participates in group meetings in which the student gives reasons in support of opinions expressed. Volunteers contributions and responds when directly solicited by the teacher or discussion leader. E5a examines the reasons for a character’s actions, taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character.

OBJECTIVES

• Provide silent reading time for students to review "A Scandal in Bohemia."
• Explore character development.
• Understand what theories are and how Holmes forms them.
• Respond to and discuss literature using a journal prompt.
• Understand new developments in Watson and Holmes’ relationship.

  RESOURCES

• Sherlock Holmes text
  

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"He was, as I take it, the most perfect reasoning and observing machine that the world has ever seen."

-Watson. Pg. 117

"I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts."

-Holmes.

"You see, but you do not observe."

-Holmes.

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

• Students have read "A Scandal in Bohemia."

  ACTIVITIES/ OUTCOMES
  

• Silent reading (25 minutes) Sherlock book or other choice.
• Discussion: A Scandal in Bohemia is different from the stories you have read because a woman beats Holmes. Did you expect that?
• Journal: "Some people feel women cannot do many of the things men can. Knowing that Irene Adler was much more clever than Holmes, how do you feel about the statement? Do you think Holmes benefited by being outsmarted? Be prepared to discuss/defend your answer."
• What is a theory? What do you need to create a theory?
• What change in Watson’s life has occurred? Do you believe the same change will happen in Sherlock’s? Explain.
• Update quotation board.

  INTEGRATION OF OTHER SUBJECTS

• Science—theory—the general or abstract principles of a body of fact, a science or an art.
  
  ASSESSMENT
  
  
• "A Scandal in Bohemia" quiz tomorrow.
• Journal: Are there any people alive today (famous or not) that resemble Irene Adler? Why do you think Doyle created a character that would outsmart Holmes? (One page +)
• Read "The Red-Headed League." Pgs. 132-146. Underline and take notes on important events. Focus specifically on story elements.

Back To Top