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  "Nanu! Nanu! Earthlings," I smirked. "We are going to study science fiction." The class remained motionless. "What's wrong, Earthlings?"

  Bob Smartmouth raised his hand and remarked, "We've been struck by the boring laser and are frozen stiff with boredom. Everytime you open your mouth it gets worse." I searched for my laser gun to shoot Bob but realized I wasn't actually an alien. Bob continued, "Perhaps your science fiction lesson plans wouldn't be so boring if you actually spent some time writing science fiction. Then you could teach us how to write science fiction."

  I liked Bob's idea. Now I teach how to write science fiction.

  In addition to reading science fiction we spend time writing science fiction.
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  Key Elements

  Before learning how to write science fiction, students must understand its key elements:

  • Science fiction is about imaginary events that involve science and technology. The setting is usually futuristic and can take place on Earth, outer space, or invented settings. Famous science fiction writers include Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and Jules Verne.
  • Science fiction relates stories about settings affected by developments in science and technology. The scientific developments must make the setting both possible and necessary. For example, the Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury chronicles the colonization of Mars made possible by advances in aerospace technology and necessary due to global war. Disney's Wall-E is set in Earth and outer space. The movie depicts the dangers of technology on many levels. It is necessary for Earth's inhabitants to leave due to pollution. Earthlings have also lost touch with each other, made possible by electronification -- text messages, cell phones, computer conferencing.
  • A science fiction story must be plausible, if not realistic. The author must provide familiar details that are either true or potentially true with technological advances. Even if the story is far fetched or exaggerated, it should still seem plausible. One example is Arthur C. Clarke's Space Odyssey 2001. It's far fetched, yet plausible that humans rely on computers too much.
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  Procedures

  1. Discuss the above notes. Review setting if necessary.
  2. Brainstorm as a class recent scientific developments.
     • stem cell research/cloning
     • Twitter/Facebook/MySpace
     • Internet
     • Camera Cell Phones
     • Tiny cameras and microphones
     • Surveillance improvements
     • Linked bank cards
     • PayPal
     • New Weapons
  3. Discuss consequences of technological developments. Be sure to include potential negative consequences.
  4. Create a plot that centers on the consequences of technology and science.
  5. Add realistic details to the setting to make the story plausible.

Writing Assignments

1. Writing Lesson Plans: How to Write a Biography
2. Teach Your Students How to Write Science Fiction
3. Teaching Instructional Articles: How to Write Instructions
4. Lesson Plan: How to Write an Essay Introduction
5. Sophmores Assess Their High School Role While You Assess Their Writing