Unit 7: The Lorax

Name: __________________________

Block: _______

Teacher: _________________________

Activity 1: Read the Story

We will read the story The Lorax in class. As you read the story answer the following

questions:

1. Why did the Once-ler cut down the Truffula trees?

2. Why do the Brown Bar-ba-loots have to leave?

3. Name at least 3 problems the Thneed factory caused for the local environment.

1.

2.

3.

4. What happens to the Once-ler when there are no m ore Truffula trees?

5. What happens to the Lorax?

6. What do YOU think the Lorax’s message “Unless” means?

7. What could the Once-ler have done to minimize his factory’s effect on the

environment?

8. Is bigger always better? Give an example to back up your opinion.

9. A “Thneed” is defined as a fine thing that everyone thinks they need (but probably

really don’t). What are 5 examples of thneeds-things we think we need but could do

quite well without?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

10. The Lorax spoke for the trees “for the trees have no tongues”. What would YOU

choose to speak for, and what would you say? Write a 1 paragraph talk on behalf of

something which cannot speak for itself.

Activity 2: Watch the Movie

Next, we will watch the OLD version of The Lorax. As you watch the video answer the

questions below.

1. What was the job of the Lorax?

2. What did the Once-ler build?

3. What did the Once-ler make?

4. What did he use to do this?

5. What does the Once-ler think is important?

6. What happened to the Bar-ba-loots after most of the Truffula Trees were gone?

7. Did the Once-ler stop making Thneeds after the Swomee-Swans and Hummng-Fish

left?

8. Why do YOU think this is the case?

9. After the last Truffula Tree was gone and The Lorax left what did the town look like?

10. Can the land return to the way it used to be? Why or why not?

Activity 3: What happens now?

Now that we have read the story and watched the video continue the story in your own

words.

1. What would YOU have done if YOU were the Lorax?

2. Why?

3. The Lorax is often called a “cautionary “tale. Explain why.

4. Do you think it is possible to achieve sustainable development; to balance quality of

life with quality of the environment? Why or why not?

5. Write an epilogue for the story based on how The Lorax ended.

The Lorax - Succession Activity

Using your background knowledge of ecological succession and The Lorax, create a

comic strip that shows the next four events in the area that the story in the book

takes place. (Keep in mind the pattern of development that occurs during

succession.) You may draw by hand or use an online comic strip maker like

makebeliefscomix.com.

Your comic will be assessed on the following:

Academic Habits:

1) The comic strip is neat and in color.

2) The comic strip is four panels in length.

3) The comic strip was turned in on time.

4) The comic strip had a complete (first and last) name.

Application:

1) The comic strip names the correct type of succession.

2) The comic strip uses the names of appropriate organisms for the unique

environment.

3) The comic strip shows the natural order of change for each step.

Activity 4: Character Analysis

A bubble map is a graphic organizer used to describe traits. Complete the following

Bubble Maps on characters from the story.

The LORAX

The Once-ler

Now that you have identified characteristics of each of the main characters, use the

Double Bubble Map below to compare and contrast the two characters. Use it just like a

Venn Diagram.

The LORAX

The Once-ler

Activity 5: The Lorax, Sustainable

Development, and Business

Activity 6: Everything Flows to the Ocean

Activity 7: The Lorax Debate

“THE LORAX” by Dr. Seuss

In this animated story from the 1970’s, Dr. Seuss uses fictional characters called the “Oncelers”

and the “Lorax” to portray different sides of the environmental situation of that time. A little

boy is the main character and he is told the story as a flashback.

You will work with a group for this activity. One group will take the Onceler position and the

other will be the Lorax. Both groups need to come up with an argument as to why their side of

the issue is the correct one. You will need to list as many arguments as you can to defend your

position. Try to use any information that you can find about the history of the environmental

movement and the current state of the environment today. All of the Oncelers will get together

and the Loraxes will do the same. You will then present your arguments to a panel of judges at

the end of this activity and they will vote on which position wins.

Questions:

1) Is the story really relevant today? Why or why not?

2) Do you think that this story has made a positive contribution over the years? Please give an example.

3) Have you ever read, seen, or heard about this story? Explain.

4) If you have kids someday, would you read them this story?

Why or why not?

5) Which character (if any) is given better treatment by Dr. Seuss? Give an example.

Is this “fair”? Why or why not?

6) What is the message at the very end of the story?

What does it mean?

Why do you think Dr.Seuss ended it this way?

Activity 8: Watch the Movie….Again

Now that you have completed several activities dealing with The Lorax we will watch

the NEW movie. As we watch the movie answer the following questions. After we

watch this movie create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the 2.

1. Was the aftermath of The Lorax the same was what you had imagined it would be?

2. How is it similar?

3. How is it different?

4. How is Thneedville similar to modern cities?

Create your Venn Diagram here: