The Nerdy Dozen #3: 20,000 Nerds Under the Sea
#3 of 3 in Nerdy Dozen Series
on Goodreads (37)
What’s inside...
In the third book of the Nerdy Dozen series, Neil Andertol and his friends reunite at a video-game convention to try a new underwater game, Captain Jolly's Shark Hunt. However, their victory leads them into trouble when they are captured by the real Captain Jolly. She needs their video-game skills for a sinister plan to destroy the world. As Neil, Sam, and Biggs embark on an underwater adventure, they must use their skills to save the day before it's too late.
Discussion points
What did the characters learn about teamwork while on their underwater adventure?
How do you think courage is shown throughout the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the characters' position during their mission?
How did the characters solve problems together and what can we learn from that?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use animation in your voice to mirror excitement or suspense in the story, making the discussion more engaging for your child.
Relate the themes of the book to your child's experiences, asking them how they might use teamwork or courage in their own life.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios within the story and discuss the potential outcomes.
Acknowledge your child’s responses, showing interest and appreciation for their thoughts to encourage deeper conversation.
Summarize key moments from the book together, to refresh and reinstate the context before diving deeper into discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Nerdy Dozen #3: 20,000 Nerds Under the Sea,' the group of nerdy kids must work together to tackle challenges underwater. Their success hinges on their ability to collaborate and leverage each other's unique skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities that require cooperation, whether in sports, school projects, or family tasks, learning that collective effort often leads to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the characters face numerous obstacles that they overcome using critical thinking and inventive solutions. This encourages a mindset of resilience and innovation.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these problem-solving approaches when dealing with academic challenges or personal hurdles, fostering a growth mindset that views obstacles as opportunities to learn and adapt.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: As the young heroes navigate the dangers of the deep sea, they demonstrate courage despite their fears. This highlights the importance of bravery and facing one’s fears directly.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to confront their own fears, such as trying new activities, making new friends, or standing up for what is right, understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes curiosity and inquiry, as the characters' quest for knowledge drives their journey and leads to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to be inquisitive about the world around them can be applied in educational settings or in daily life, promoting continued learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: Characters in the book often take the lead and make pivotal decisions, teaching the value of responsibility and the impact of good leadership.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility for their actions and potentially lead among peers, which is beneficial in building self-reliance and integrity.