STEM in Narnia: A Novel Study Adventure with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Course Summary

Step into Narnia with this 4-day hands-on novel study! We’ll explore The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe through reading, discussion, and fun STEM challenges that bring the story to life.

Course Description

Step through the wardrobe and into Narnia in this 4-day interactive class that blends reading comprehension and creative STEM challenges! Students will explore The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis while reading selected chapters, analyzing key characters, and completing hands-on builds that bring the story to life. We’ll dive into character development, theme, setting, and symbolism—then create wardrobes, sleighs, and battle fortresses to explore deeper meaning and make connections through engineering and imagination. A perfect blend of literature, critical thinking, and hands-on fun! *This course will have homework. Students will be assigned chapters to read before the next class so we can discuss them togther.*

Content Considerations

This book is an amazing allegory of the Christian faith. We will be discussing the symbolism and allegories in this novel.

Syllabus

📖 Day 1: The Mysterious Wardrobe (Chapter 1) 🎯 Focus: Novel introduction, author background, setting the stage 📚 Literary Skills: Making predictions, visualizing, setting clues 🗣️ Discussion: Who are the Pevensie siblings? What is strange about the Professor’s house? Why might Lucy be a good main character? 🧠 STEM Challenge: Build a Mini Wardrobe with a Secret Door 📖 Day 2: A Land of Snow and Secrets (Chapters 2–4) 🎯 Focus: Lucy’s meeting with Mr. Tumnus, Edmund’s temptation 📚 Literary Skills: Character comparison, foreshadowing, mood 🗣️ Discussion: How does the author describe Narnia’s winter? What is Mr. Tumnus hiding? Why is Edmund tempted by the White Witch? 🧠 STEM Challenge: Map of Early Narnia 📖 Day 3: Lies, Lions, and Long Winters (Chapters 5–10) 🎯 Focus: Edmund’s betrayal, the Pevensies return to Narnia, the beavers’ plan 📚 Literary Skills: Theme (betrayal, courage), plot development, symbolism (snow, Turkish Delight) 🗣️ Discussion: Why does Edmund lie to his siblings? What role do the beavers play? What does winter symbolize in the story? 🧠 STEM Challenge: Sleigh Engineering 📖 Day 4: The Great Battle & Redemption (Chapters 11–17) 🎯 Focus: Aslan’s sacrifice, Edmund’s change, final battle 📚 Literary Skills: Climax, resolution, character growth, theme of redemption 🗣️ Discussion: How does Edmund change? What does Aslan’s sacrifice remind you of? How do the children fulfill the prophecy? 🧠 STEM Challenge: Design a Fortress for Aslan’s Army

Supplies

📅 Day 1 – Build a Mini Wardrobe with a Secret Door Objective: Create a wardrobe that opens to reveal a snowy scene inside Suggested Supplies: Small box (shoebox, cereal box, etc.) Cardstock or sturdy paper (for doors) Tape or glue Scissors Cotton balls (for snow) Markers or crayons Optional: figurines or characters to place inside the scene 📅 Day 2 – Create a Map of Early Narnia Objective: Build a flat or 3D map of Lucy’s and Edmund’s early journey Suggested Supplies: Large sheet of paper or cardboard (for the map base) Markers or crayons Cotton balls (for snowy areas) Small sticks or pipe cleaners (trees or paths) Glue or tape Optional: construction paper, foil (for icy or snowy textures) Labeling materials (paper scraps, toothpicks + flags, etc.) 📅 Day 3 – Sleigh Engineering Challenge Objective: Build and test a sled/sleigh that slides down a ramp Suggested Supplies: Craft sticks, straws, or plastic spoons (sled runners) Paper, foil, or cardboard scraps (sled base) Tape or rubber bands Cotton balls or small items (for passengers) Ramp surface: large book, baking tray, or cardboard incline 📅 Day 4 – Design a Fortress for Aslan’s Army Objective: Build a fort/camp using blocks or craft supplies Suggested Supplies: LEGO, blocks, or stackable items Recyclable materials (small boxes, paper rolls, bottle caps) Tape or glue Scissors Paper (for flags, towers, banners)