Oak Mountain Middle School Science Fiction Mrs. Dianne Cline 7th grade Literature Oak Mountain Middle School Shelby County, Alabama

What is Science Fiction? Science fiction is a writing style which combines science and fiction. It is only limited by what we presently know about the basic physical laws of nature. It evolved as a response to fantasy.

Sci Fi Author’s Definition The author Theodore Sturgeon said, A good science-fiction story is a story about human beings with a human problem a human solution which would not have happened at all without its science content

The first true science fiction novel was Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. She wrote about scientific practices and tried to persuade the reader that her story could actually happen.

Frankenstein was the first novel in English to deal with the possibility that science can create a monster that can destroy science, and possibly mankind. The story is NOT “supernatural” but meant to explore the consequences of scientifically creating a human being.

Remember: Writers take scientific possibilities and develop them step-by-step from known data to form a story.

What is Extrapolation? Extrapolation is when a writer takes a known scientific fact and imagines what might happen if certain events or circumstances evolve. For example: 1. Man can build space shuttles. 2. Let’s imagine, man can travel to faraway planets.

Science Fiction VS. Fantasy In Science Fiction, there needs to be some possibility that the events could possibly happen. In Fantasy, the author can use far-fetched assumptions such as: unicorns, three-legged creatures etc.

Major Themes in Science Fiction Space travel to and from other planets (Star Wars, Star Trek) Time travel to the past and future (Back to the Future) Psychological/biological changes to man brought about by scientific changes (The Incredible Hulk, Spider Man)

Supernormal powers/talents (Superman, Spiderman, Batman) Science applied to human relations for constructive or destructive purposes (Weird Science, Frankenstein) Battle with alien life forms (Signs, The Day the Earth Stood Still, District 9) Alternate Universe (Star Wars)

Plot Conventions of Science Fiction Examples of Story Ideas: The Last Man/Woman on Earth The Robot The First Landing Story Time Travel The Alternate World The Lost Civilization

The Alien Encounter The Colonization of a New Planet The End of the World The Long Spaceship Voyage The Computer From the point of view of an alien

Elements of Science Fiction Settings can be in the future, on other planets, in outer space, or present time on Earth Characters can be aliens, robots, or “super” humans Can include technology of the future (ray guns, teleport machines, humanoid robots) Superhuman abilities in characters (mind control, read people’s minds, fly)

Why should we study Science Fiction? Entertaining Makes the audience wonder “What If?” Encourages creativity in writing and role-playing Introduces students to a new literary genre Teaches lessons about the value and dangers of advanced technology Enhances imagination