As the slowing happens, many in charge decide to follow “clock time.” What do you think about that decision?

• What are their reasons?
• How do people react?
• What other options does the book offer or can you imagine?
• What are the ramifications of following “clock time”?

Teaching Suggestion: Conflicts arise between those who follow “clock time” and those who follow “real time.” Analyzing the choice to regulate this decision for people could connect to history or current events. The class might list times throughout history when people in charge have unnecessarily regulated something and the reasons and ramifications. This discussion could lead to debate, but a more open discussion using qualifiers instead of either-or decisions can model critical thinking. Sentence stems and a list of qualifiers like somewhat, mostly, and rarely might help.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Explorer Time Capsule”

In this activity, students will create artifacts representing items they recommend for the rocket The Explorer explained in the end of the novel.

In the final chapter, the narrator explains about a rocket, The Explorer, launching into space to carry information about Earth.