Teen Challenges Briefing Sheet
Sub Briefing Sheet
8th Grade: Teen Challenges (Inner Strength Lab & Hatchet)
Ref: SURVIVAL_GUIDE_01
Welcome to Teen Challenges
Thank you for joining our class today! This 8th-grade course focuses on resilience and survival skills. Our curriculum is split between the Inner Strength Lab (Monday-Tuesday) and our study of the novel Hatchet (Wednesday-Thursday).
Daily Procedures
1
Attendance & Office Call
Please take attendance immediately. Once finished, call it down to the front office to confirm all students are present.
2
The "8th Grade" Binder
Find the large black binder titled "8th Grade" on the desk. Flip to the current day of the week tab to find today's specific lesson plan and student materials.
3
Student Independence
Expectations are posted in the classroom. Students should know their "Inner Strength" routines or their reading goals for Hatchet.
Class Schedule
Period 5
1:30 - 2:20
Need Support?
If there is any issue, please reach out immediately:
Primary Contact
Denny Fringer #7019
Front Office
Extension #7001
Course Split
Mon - Tue: Inner Strength Lab
Wed - Thu: Hatchet (Novel)
Reliable Student Leads
Lead Student 1: ____________________
Lead Student 2: ____________________
Teen Challenges Report Form
Shift Report Form
8th Grade Teen Challenges: Lab & Hatchet
Date: ____________________
Substitute Name
Topic Covered (Lab or Hatchet?)
Classroom Climate
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
Lesson Progress Notes
Did students finish the assigned reading or lab activity?
Positive Contributions
Areas of Concern
Thank you for helping our students build their inner strength today.
Brians Choice Activity
Brian's Choice
Emergency Survival Simulation
Name:
Date:
The Scenario
In Gary Paulsen's Hatchet, Brian Robeson finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with only a small hatchet and his wits. Today, you are in a similar situation. You have crashed in a remote boreal forest. Your plane is sinking in the lake, and you only have time to grab 5 specific items before it disappears.
Challenge: Use your "Inner Strength" logic to prioritize survival over comfort. You have 60 minutes to finalize your survival plan.
5 ITEMS Limit for Survival
The Salvage List
Select exactly 5 items. For each choice, explain its "Survival Multiplier"—how it helps you with at least two of the four pillars: Shelter, Fire, Water, Food.
Large Plastic Tarp (10x10)
Lightweight, waterproof, emerald green.
Stainless Steel Pot (2 Qt)
Durable, can withstand direct flame.
Box of 50 Waterproof Matches
Fast fire, but limited supply.
Hunting Knife (6" Blade)
High-carbon steel, leather sheath.
First Aid Kit (Basic)
Bandages, antiseptic, gauze.
50ft Paracord (550lb Test)
Infinite uses for lashing and traps.
Ferrocerium Rod (Fire Starter)
Lasts for 10,000 strikes.
Wool Blanket (King Size)
Retains heat even when wet.
Survival Logic
Brian realized his "hatchet" was his most valuable tool because of its versatility. Choose your Top 1 item from your list and defend why it is your "Hatchet"—the tool that will save your life.
My "Primary Survival Tool" is:
Defense & Reasoning (How does this build Inner Strength?):
Identify One "Brian Robeson" Moment:
Recall a time in the book where Brian felt hopeless. How would your chosen tool have changed his situation?