Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures.
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell Storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Inherit the Wind Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Bert Cates, a schoolteacher, is on trial for teaching the theory of evolution from Darwin’s Origin of Species. Former presidential candidate Matthew Harrison Brady is coming to the small town of Hillsboro to prosecute Bert. Henry Drummond, a hot-shot lawyer from Chicago, will represent Bert.
Conflict
Bert is nervous about going to trial, and his girlfriend Rachel, the daughter of the town’s reverend, is trying to convince him to back down. The town seems to be against Bert and preparing for the triumph of Brady. The very fabric of the town, its religious beliefs, are being challenged, and the whole world is watching.
Rising Action
Brady and Drummond face off in the courtroom, once close friends, now very far apart. The Reverend and Mayor are concerned with how their town will be perceived by the world. They want to make sure they look as God-fearing as possible. The evidence against Bert is mounting, with Rachel forced to deliver the most damning evidence of all: a private joke, taken out of context.
Climax
The Judge refuses to allow any of Drummond’s expert witnesses to testify about what the theory of evolution entails, so Drummond calls Brady to the stand as an expert on the Bible. He gets Brady to admit that since the sun wasn’t created until the fourth day in the Bible, the first day could have been 10 million years long. He then makes a fool out of Brady by getting him to say that God speaks directly to him.
Falling Action
Bert is found guilty, but the Judge only fines him, which Drummond will appeal. Brady tries to make a speech to the townspeople who have abandoned him, and ends up collapsing and dying. Brady collapses and dies.
Resolution
Bert and Rachel leave town on the afternoon train. Hornbeck offends Drummond by making a smarmy comment about Brady’s death. Drummond reveals that he, too, is actually very religious, and that he respected Brady. He picks up Darwin’s book and the Bible and puts them together in his briefcase, symbolizing that the two juxtaposing ideas might be able to coexist.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of Inherit the Windr.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot Images | Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them. |
| Plot Text | The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes. | Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar. | Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar. |
Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures.
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell Storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Inherit the Wind Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Bert Cates, a schoolteacher, is on trial for teaching the theory of evolution from Darwin’s Origin of Species. Former presidential candidate Matthew Harrison Brady is coming to the small town of Hillsboro to prosecute Bert. Henry Drummond, a hot-shot lawyer from Chicago, will represent Bert.
Conflict
Bert is nervous about going to trial, and his girlfriend Rachel, the daughter of the town’s reverend, is trying to convince him to back down. The town seems to be against Bert and preparing for the triumph of Brady. The very fabric of the town, its religious beliefs, are being challenged, and the whole world is watching.
Rising Action
Brady and Drummond face off in the courtroom, once close friends, now very far apart. The Reverend and Mayor are concerned with how their town will be perceived by the world. They want to make sure they look as God-fearing as possible. The evidence against Bert is mounting, with Rachel forced to deliver the most damning evidence of all: a private joke, taken out of context.
Climax
The Judge refuses to allow any of Drummond’s expert witnesses to testify about what the theory of evolution entails, so Drummond calls Brady to the stand as an expert on the Bible. He gets Brady to admit that since the sun wasn’t created until the fourth day in the Bible, the first day could have been 10 million years long. He then makes a fool out of Brady by getting him to say that God speaks directly to him.
Falling Action
Bert is found guilty, but the Judge only fines him, which Drummond will appeal. Brady tries to make a speech to the townspeople who have abandoned him, and ends up collapsing and dying. Brady collapses and dies.
Resolution
Bert and Rachel leave town on the afternoon train. Hornbeck offends Drummond by making a smarmy comment about Brady’s death. Drummond reveals that he, too, is actually very religious, and that he respected Brady. He picks up Darwin’s book and the Bible and puts them together in his briefcase, symbolizing that the two juxtaposing ideas might be able to coexist.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of Inherit the Windr.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot Images | Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them. |
| Plot Text | The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes. | Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar. | Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar. |
How Tos about Inherit the Wind Plot Diagram
Engage students with a classroom debate on themes from Inherit the Wind
Organize a class debate to bring the play’s key issues to life. Assign roles such as Bert Cates, Matthew Brady, and Henry Drummond to students, and let them argue the story’s central questions. This strategy encourages critical thinking and active learning while deepening understanding of major themes.
Prepare students with background knowledge on the Scopes Trial
Introduce the historical context by sharing a brief overview of the real Scopes Monkey Trial. Use a short video or timeline to help students connect the play’s plot to real events, making the story more meaningful and relevant.
Assign research teams to explore viewpoints in the play
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different character or perspective from the play. Have them research and present their assigned viewpoint. This activity builds empathy and strengthens comprehension of complex issues.
Guide students in creating persuasive arguments
Teach students how to build persuasive arguments by providing sentence starters and graphic organizers. Model how to use evidence from the text to support their claims, helping them become more confident and effective communicators.
Facilitate respectful discussion and reflection
Establish clear ground rules for respectful discussion. After the debate, guide students in reflecting on what they learned and how their opinions may have changed. This fosters a classroom culture of open-mindedness and respectful dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inherit the Wind Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for Inherit the Wind?
A plot diagram for Inherit the Wind visually maps out the story's major events, including the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students understand the structure and key moments of the play.
How do I teach Inherit the Wind using a storyboard plot diagram?
To teach Inherit the Wind with a storyboard plot diagram, have students break the story into six parts—Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—then create scenes and brief descriptions for each. This reinforces comprehension and narrative structure.
What are the main events in the Inherit the Wind plot diagram?
Main events include: Bert Cates on trial (Exposition), the town’s conflict over evolution (Conflict), courtroom battles (Rising Action), Drummond questioning Brady (Climax), Bert's verdict and Brady's collapse (Falling Action), and Bert and Rachel leaving town (Resolution).
Why is using a plot diagram helpful when teaching plays like Inherit the Wind?
Plot diagrams help students visualize and sequence key events, making complex stories like Inherit the Wind easier to understand. They also reinforce literary elements, critical thinking, and retention of major plot points.
What tips can help students quickly create a plot diagram for Inherit the Wind?
Encourage students to summarize each plot part in one or two sentences, use visuals for each stage, and focus on the most significant events. Using tools like storyboards makes the process engaging and accessible.
More Storyboard That Activities
Inherit the Wind
- evolution • Paul Keller • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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