Teacher's Guide

1. 9th Grade Theatre I

Note: In this study guide, there is talks about Autism and Evolution, due to their huge nature in the show itself. Because of the sensitivity of these topics, there may be students who are not comfortable speaking about the topics. Please be aware. 

2. Pre-show Activity: Cave Paintings SOL #3 C

In Lucy, Lucy paints on her mothers walls with paint. Her paintings are said to resemble cave paintings. In this activity you will paint a cave painting with a personal twist.
A. Materials: Paper and Paints
B. Instructions: No paint brushes allowed! You must use your hands/fingers to make your cave painting. Paint what comes to your mind, make sure it looks like a cave painting!
C. Cave Painting examples:

3. Pre-Show Viewing and Discussion: Facial Recognition Charts SOL #5 A

In Lucy, Dr. Morris uses facial recognition charts in an attempt to encourage Lucy to learn how to communicate her emotions. View the example below, and then discuss how this method would help someone with a disability clearly communicate how they are feeling.

Discussion Questions:
A) Do you think that this chart could be considered an effective means of communicating basic emotions? Why or why not?
B) Do you think that any of the faces are misleading? For example: Does the "Anxious" face look like anxiety to you? If not, how could it be redrawn to portray anxiety more efficiently?
C) Beside this kind of chart, what other kind of communication method could be used to help portray thoughts and feelings?

4. Pre-Show Reading and Discussion SOL #5 A

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by social-interaction difficulties, communication challenges and a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors. However, symptoms and their severity vary widely across these three core areas. Taken together, they may result in relatively mild challenges for someone on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. For others, symptoms may be more severe, as when repetitive behaviors and lack of spoken language interfere with everyday life.

As illustrated by the graph on the left, the basic symptoms of autism are often accompanied other medical conditions and challenges. These, too, can vary widely in severity.

While autism is usually a life-long condition, all children and adults benefit from interventions, or therapies, that can reduce symptoms and increase skills and abilities. Although it is best to begin intervention as soon as possible, the benefits of therapy can continue throughout life. Link

Discussion: Autism is a disorder that affects a large number of people, but can manifest itself in so many different ways.
A) Do you know any other ways that Autism can present itself? If so, name some.
B) Do you know anyone who has been diagnosed as "on the spectrum"?
C) If you were a Therapist, what methods would you use to help people with this disorder?

5. Post Show Follow Up Discussion 

In the show, you saw that Vivian came to believe that Lucy was the next step in human evolution.
A) How do you think Vivian came to believe this?
B) Do you think that there is any sense in Vivian's beliefs?
C) If you were Vivian's assistant, how would you have reacted to her claims?