8th Grade Language ArtsDunn/Williams

What is Science Fiction?

Science Fiction is a genre that combines scientific principles and fiction.

Science fiction may make predictions about life in the future.

Science fiction can comment on important issues in society

1) Setting: time (when) and place (where) the events of a story take place

2) Characters- people who take part in the action of a story

3) Vocabulary- a set of words within a language

Time – science fiction stories are often set in the future.

Place- another planet, a made up futuristic land

Science Fiction Setting

• Human

• Human-like (humanoids)

• Aliens

Science Fiction Characters

Vocabulary may be unusual or made up words and phrases that represent another language

Ex. In Star Trek, Klingon is the language spoken by some of the characters.

Vocabulary

• Space travel to and from other planets (ie: Star Wars, Star Trek)• Time travel to the past and future (ie: Back to the Future)• Psychological/biological changes to

man brought about by scientific changes(ie: The Incredible Hulk, Spider Man)

Major Themes in Science Fiction

• Supernormal powers/talents (ie: Superman, Spiderman, Batman)• Science applied to human relations for

constructive or destructive purposes (ie: Weird Science, Frankenstein)• Battle with alien life forms (ie: Predator, The Day the Earth Stood Still,

District 9) • Alternate Universe (ie: Star Wars)

Themes

Did you know the first science fiction story written was Frankenstein?

Trivia

• 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

Why Read Science Fiction?