The grade ⅞ class read a book called “ Half Brother” and watched a documentary called “ Project Nim.” After we compared the book and the movie together to see what was similar, different, new information disturbing times, and happy times.
Nim and Zan have a lot of similarities. They were both taken from their mothers and used for an experiment. They also were taught sign language and were treated like a human. When they grew older they both wanted to be the dominate male and they were both very strong. Nim and Zan both made really good friends when they moved from place to place. They had a lot of teachers through this journey.
Nim and Zan also have a lot of differences too! First they have different names. Nims first parent Stephanie was very unorganized. Stephanie did not want Nim to learn even though that was the whole experiment. Richard and Sarah taught Zan so much! In the end Nim died and Zan didn’t.
Some new information from Project Nim was that chimps can remember people who have been gone from them for at least a year, for example, Nim remembered Stephanie when she was gone for a year. Also back in the 70’s some people like Stephanie let chimps smoke, drink, etc.
There were quite few things disturbing in the movie. It was disturbing when Nim’s mother was shot and she started to make scary noises. They also should not let them smoke. It was disturbing when they zapped Nim and gave him needles to knock him out. At first Nim was free and then he was locked in a cage which he was not used to.
Although there was some disturbing times in the movie there were also happy times too. Nim was a very fast learner because he was taught so well by Herb and Bob and a lot more teachers. He had a baby. His owners gave him friends like Lily. Bob helped so Nim was less lonely.
