Hatchet Novel Survival Project

8-10 yrs old

11-13 yrs old

Reading and Writing

Students engage in a survival scenario, like Brian Robeson from Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, starting at a plane crash and having to survive the elements.

Submitted By: Jason Lane

December 18, 2017

General information about the novel this world is based on.

Hatchet Survival files

Zip file contains world, screenshots and supporting instructions.

Students experience the narrative of Gary Paulsen's novel "Hatchet" in first-person as a character who must survive the elements.
Students work creatively and collaboratively to build a shelter and complete tasks in survival mode.

What would it feel like to be Brian Robeson from Gary Paulsen’s novel "Hatchet"?
In what ways is Minecraft Survival mode similar to Brian Robeson's experiences and challenges in the novel?

Students must first read the novel "Hachet" by Gary Paulsen, as this provides the context for the story and world.
Students enter the world at the crash site and speak to the Flight Attendant. They may collect a torch from the Flight Attendant if they wish.
Give students a moment to read and photograph the task board at the crash site. This describes the various tasks.
Remind students that fire damage, fall damage and drowning deaths do not apply in this world.
Suggest that students work in teams of 2-3 to find a shelter location and work together through the suggested tasks (see attached resources).
Encourage students to take photos to use as reflective diary entries once they have finished the project.

Students will work collaborative and demonstrate positive digital citizenship behaviours while engaging with others in the world.
Students will complete the set tasks within a specified timeframe (e.g. 45-60 minutes).
Students will export portfolio of 4-6 photos to demonstrate their involvement, collaboration and input into the completion of the set tasks.
Students will draw links between Minecraft Survival mode and the narrative plot of Gary Paulsen's "Hachet". This should be used as a discussion topic after this Minecraft activity.