Moral choices arise when a character is imbued with great talent or super powers. A study of these choices form the basis of a unit focused on character development in the first two novels of Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series. The...

Setting the stage, creating characters, and establishing a suspenseful storyline can be a tricky task. Young authors read the story The End as a model of good and organized writing. They analyze the writer's techniques and employ them in...

Kids love to write fantastic and suspenseful stories, but they can sometimes get out of hand and confusing. To clear up all the clutter, they read a wonderful fictitious white-knuckle story and use it as a model for their own tales of...

Frankenstein, Mr. Data, Hal, and DEFCON, the computer featured in Kyle Downey’s tale, “Ghostwriter,” all illustrate the dangers of creating intelligent life. After reading Downey’s story, class members craft their own narrative in which...

Based around the documentary Battlestar Galactica: Propaganda and War, this plan asks learners to create a satirical piece. After a discussion about satire, the class views the documentary and then splits off into pairs to complete the...

Sixth graders analyze plot conflict with science fiction and TV programs. After discussing the conflict, they identify solutions for the programs selected. They examine Only You Can Save Mankind for conflict, and consider ways the...

Discuss the difference between legitimate debate on a political issue and arguments that are based on hate through a science-fiction scenario that shows how a controversial issue can be discussed in both ways. Then learn how purveyors of...

Here's a fun way to incorporate technology into your curriculum. E-mail each of your class members a picture and 10 questions about the photo. Individuals then imagine the story behind the image and e-mail back their responses. Although...

Sixth graders explore theme in science fiction texts by examining how plot conflicts are resolved. This resource focuses on Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, but the approach and guiding questions could apply to a variety of texts.

Visit the world of science fiction with this graphic organizer focusing on predictions. Complete the chart to determine the possible positive and negative side effects for two examples of future technology. Then, have writers choose one...

Focus on the second half of George Orwell's 1984 with this reading comprehension quiz. All multiple-choice, the questions center on major events in the novel.

Class members select a science fiction novel for independent study. To verify they have completed the reading, they write a summary, a critique, and an outline of the plot for a sequel or prequel. They then deliver a five-minute speech,...

Sixth graders explore the components of science fiction in a science and literacy lesson. As they define and record definitions of the term on the board, learners identify a text as science fiction using the terms they have listed to...

Sixth graders identify components of the setting in science fiction text. In this compare and contrast settings activity, 6th graders read Only You Can Save Mankind and identify similarities and differences between science fiction text...

Do your sixth graders like science fiction? Learn to identify elements of  the science fiction genre with a literature lesson. They read from Only You Can Save Mankind and identify the objects, words, and characters from the scenarios....

In this writing worksheet, students read a science fiction book and write a report. Students follow the 6 guidelines and answer the questions to complete this report.

Students read and analyze the book "A Wizard of Earth sea" by Ursula Le Guinn. They answer discussion questions for each chapter, diagram and label the parts of a sailing ship, conduct research on the meaning of their own name, create a...

"It just takes a spark." The sparks that gave rise to Fahrenheit 451 are detailed in an audio biography of Ray Bradbury. After listening to Part I of the engaging narration, class groups read background essays and prepare presentations...

Guide your class on an adventure 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with this Hampton-Brown outline. It provides educators with a guide to increase reading comprehension, critical thinking, literary analysis, and reading strategies. This...

Sixth graders explore the meanings of unknown words in science fiction. In this language arts lesson, 6th graders participate in a game of Balderdash and guess the meanings of given words. Students discuss how to use context clues to...

Students discuss works of science fiction that they read, highlight aspects that made each a part of science fiction genre, identify formal literary elements, and discuss ways each can be developed through science fiction.

Sudents read and critique three of their fellow classmates' science fiction short stories on three consecutive days for mechanics, short story elements, style, and informational elements.

Learners view the videos from the Spellbinder series. They focus on analyzing and thinking critically. Students explore the distinguishing features and conventions of the science fiction and fantasy genres and narrative structure and...

Explore the elements of science fiction. Students investigate the literary elements present in science fiction and write their own science fiction stories.