1. For your first two tasks, you will need to a journal to record your findings. Remember to put your Middle School Heading at the top of your document. Task #1 Take the Science Fact or Fiction Quiz. Click here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment- 12758575 At the top of your journal, record what your results were, and write about the question that surprised you the most. Why were you surprised? This response needs to be a minimum of three sentences. Spelling and grammar always count! SCIENCE FACT or SCIENCE FICTION?

2. Task 2: Investigate the genre of science fiction. Science fiction is a kind of writing that has special elements that distinguish it from other types of fiction. Using the following link, you will list in your journal the special characteristics of science fiction. You should be able to make a list of 6-10 facts. http://www.life123.com/arts- culture/cinema/science-fiction/science- fiction-genre.shtml

3. Task #3 On the next clean page of the journal, answer the questions on the following slide about each of the authors in the list below. Ray Bradbury Isaac Asimov These authors have written stories that have elements in them that are relevant to things that are happening today. What is so remarkable about these authors, besides the fact that they are brilliant storytellers, is the fact that what they originally wrote about decades ago has happened or is currently happening. These authors have written stories that have elements in them that are relevant to things that are happening today. What is so remarkable about these authors, besides the fact that they are brilliant storytellers, is the fact that what they originally wrote about decades ago has happened or is currently happening. It's almost like they could see the future! It's almost like they could see the future!

4. Use this link to answer the next questions. Use this link to answer the next questions. Pathfinder 1. Your author's name with biographical information (birth, death, where they lived, and any important life accomplishments). 2. Write a title of one of their famous works. Is it a short story or a novel? When was it written? 3. Write 2 other interesting facts you learned about each author..

5. Task 4: Characters in science fiction Characters in science fiction can be realistic or unrealistic. They can have traits and qualities that are real. For example, the character can be loving or courageous. That character can be selfish or giving. In science fiction, the character can also have special skills or qualities. Science fiction characters can include human, alien, monster, or some hybrid or mutation of all three. They can also include artificial or computer intelligence as well as robots and cyborgs who reflect or resemble humans Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_6696025_characteristics- science-fiction-books.html#ixzz2rqgOAKTW http://www.ehow.com/list_6696025_characteristics- science-fiction-books.html#ixzz2rqgOAKTW In your journal, draw a picture of a character that you might put into a story. Write a 3-4 sentence paragraph that describes the character’s personality and special qualities. Have fun with your character.

6. Task 5: Evaluate your reading. As you read the following story in your LOL book, keep track of the following elements. Copy this chart in your journal and complete it using the science fiction story, “All Summer in a Day” on page 209. Setting (time and place) Character traits: Physical Traits Is the character believable or unbelievable? Why? Plot Development 1. In the beginning,…….. 5. In the end,…….. 4. Finally,…….. 3. After that,,…….. 2. Then,…….. Main Character) Theme Use this link to discover possible themes in reading: http://woub.org/etseo/readwritetell/pdfs/7.Theme_The mesList.pdf Now write the message you believe this short story is conveying.

7. Task 6: Evaluate your reading. As you read the following story in your LOL book, keep track of the following elements. Copy this chart in your journal and complete it using the science fiction story, “The Fun We Had” on page 574. Setting (time and place) Character traits: Physical Traits Is the character believable or unbelievable? Why? Plot Development Main Character) Theme Use this link to discover possible themes in reading: http://woub.org/etseo/readwritetell/pdfs/7.Theme_The mesList.pdf Now write the message you believe this short story is conveying. 1. In the beginning,…….. 5. In the end,…….. 4. Finally,…….. 3. After that,,…….. 2. Then,……..

8. Task 7: Write a 4 paragraph Compare and Contrast essay Use the organizing chart on the next slide. Use you notes on the 2 science fiction short stories that you read to help you complete the chart. When you are done with the chart, turn it into a 4 paragraph essay.

9. Task 7: Write a 4 paragraph Compare and Contrast essay Compare and Contrast Paragraph 1- Hook? Introduce your topics. Thesis statement is your last sentence. Start the thesis with the word “Although………,” Paragraph 2 - Similarities *Yellow (with transition)—no pronouns! Red-explain and give examples Paragraph 3- Differences *Yellow (with transition)- no pronouns! Red-explain and give examples Paragraph 4- Conclusion Go back to your topic; restate your thesis (start with a transition word) Hint: use synonyms *summarize *challenge *convince *encourage Refer back to the blue hook in some way The next slide has transition words that you can use for a compare/contrast essay.

10. Similarities is similar to both also too as well Differences the other hand however but in contrast differs from while unlike Concluding paragraph In conclusion, In summary, As you can see,

11. Now write your own narrative story. It must include characteristics of a science fiction plot. Will you character be believable? Will the characters be futuristic? Characters deal with aliens or life in other worlds? What will the setting be? What is the goal, wish, or desire of the main character?

12. Plot Diagram Title __________________________________ Author: _______________________________ What will the setting be?_________________________________________ ____________________________________________ __________________________________________ Event 1 Event 6 Event 5 Event 4 Event 2 Event 3 Rising Actions/Sequence of Events Falling Actions/Resolution Actions 1. _______________________________ _______________________________ 2._____________________________ _______________________________ 3._____________________________ _______________________________ Conflict: (Main Character)__________________________(goal, wish, desire)______________________________