'Orbital' — Lesson 06: Perspective and Scale: Human Insignificance and Importance

An editable VCE English and EAL lesson exploring perspective, scale and humanity’s place in the universe in Samantha Harvey’s Orbital.

Students examine moments in which Harvey “zooms in” on individual human lives and “zooms out” to view humanity from a cosmic perspective. They analyse representations of human insignificance, consider the relationship between language, knowledge and power, and unpack the paradox that human beings can appear both insignificant and deeply important.

The lesson supports students to explain how shifting scale allows Harvey to develop complex ideas about the value of human life.

Includes:

• Editable PowerPoint lesson slideshow
• Editable student worksheet
• Detailed sample answers

This resource is Lesson 6 of the complete 14-lesson Orbital unit but can also be purchased and taught independently.

The novel is not included. This is a digital product supplied as a downloadable ZIP file. Available with an Individual Teacher Licence or Faculty Licence — One Campus.