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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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)

14. 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