Science Fiction

Definition Fiction: made up stories Science: systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation. Science + Fiction: untrue stories about phys. and material world determined through observation and experimentation

Elements of Science Fiction Setting: Takes place in the future (Compared to when written) Setting: Takes place in space/undiscovered realms Different planets, galaxies, universes, alien life forms Contains ideas and inventions that did not exist when the book/movie/etc. was created BUT could exist some day Time travel, video phones, robots with feelings, etc.

Elements of Science Fiction Makes comments or warnings about the way people were living or acting at the time the book/movie/etc. was created Social issues: racism, family life Political issues: Communism, education Environmental issues: pollution, waste

Elements of Science Fiction Often confused with fantasy Major difference: science fiction could happen, fantasy cannot Sci-fi: Meeting aliens on another planet Fantasy: fairy god mothers, vampires, wizards

Well-known Writers Isaac Asimov - I, Robot H.G. Wells - The Time Machine Ray Bradbury - Fahrenheit 451 Jules Verne - 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Douglas Adams - Hitchhiker’s series George Orwell - 1984