In a Person vs Technology or Machine conflict, a character has a problem with robots or machines. This type of conflict is often found in science fiction.
For elementary students, this type of conflict can be explained in simple terms such as “Sometimes, people have to face problems that are caused by technology or machines. It could be something like not knowing how to use a computer or getting too caught up in playing video games. These problems can be really tough to overcome, but the person has to find a way to balance using technology and still being able to do other important things in their life.”
Types of Conflict Organizer
Use this organizer/booklet independently or place it inside an interactive notebook. On each page, students write a definition and give examples of the type of conflict. On the final page, students summarize internal and external conflicts.
Download the organizer here.
In this quiz, students read short passages from novels and answer questions related to types of conflict in the literature about the passages. A link to the Google Doc version of the quiz is included in the pdf for teachers who wish to alter the quiz to meet the needs of students.
Teaching Person vs Technology Conflict in Literature with Movie Trailers
Steve Jobs
This biographical movie covers 14 years of the life of Steve Jobs, a personal computing innovator and Apple Inc. co-founder.
2001: A Space Odyssey
While on a mysterious mission, the ship’s computer system, HAL, begins to display strange behavior. This leads to a showdown between man and machine.
Transformers
Two races of robots, the Autobots and the Decepticons, bring their war to Earth. The good Autobots help Earthlings. The villainous Decepticons bring war. Only a human youth named Sam can save the world.
Wall-E
A robot named Wall-E falls in love with another robot, Eve, and must save humanity from their own technology.
Wreck-It Ralph
A video game villain named Ralph wants to prove that he can be a hero but must navigate through the world of arcade games and deal with the consequences of his actions.
Big Hero 6
A boy named Hiro Hamada and his friends must use their scientific skills to stop a villain who is using stolen technology to wreak havoc in San Fransokyo.
Book Examples to use for Teaching Person vs Technology Conflict
Picture Books
- Clink by Kelly DiPucchio
- Robo-Sauce by Adam Rubin
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
- Hello, Robot! by Joan Holub
- The Legend of John Henry: No author is credited for this traditional American folk tale.
- Iron Man: Various authors have written Iron Man comics over the years, including Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby.
- Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
Children’s Literature
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown:
In this novel, a robot named Roz washes up on a deserted island and must learn to survive in the wild. The conflict arises from Roz’s struggle to adapt to her new surroundings and the challenges posed by the natural world.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick:
In this illustrated novel, a boy named Hugo lives in a train station and works to repair a broken automaton left to him by his father. The conflict arises from Hugo’s struggle to repair the automaton and uncover the mystery of its origins.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen:
The person vs. technology conflict arises when Brian, the protagonist, is forced to fly a plane after the pilot dies. Brian has to use his survival skills and knowledge of technology to keep the plane in the air and land it safely.
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau:
The person vs. technology conflict is centered around the failing generator that provides light to the underground city. Lina and Doon must find a way to escape Ember before the generator dies and plunges the city into total darkness, using their intelligence and knowledge of technology to find a solution.
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 by Lauren Tarshis:
The person vs. technology conflict arises when the “unsinkable” Titanic strikes an iceberg and begins to sink. The protagonist, George, must use his knowledge of the ship’s technology and his survival instincts to escape the sinking ship and survive the cold waters of the Atlantic.
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl
Conflict arises when the farmers Boggis, Beans, and Bunce use tractors and other technological devices to catch the animals. The foxes must use their intelligence and knowledge of technology to outsmart the farmers and save themselves and their families.
Types of Conflict Organizer
This organizer/booklet may be used independently or placed inside an interactive notebook. On each page, students write a definition and give examples of the type of conflict. On the final page, students summarize internal and external conflicts.
