During the six-week Science Fiction unit, students used eight novels from the genre to explore themes connected to the fate of humanity, the creation and/or misuse of modern technology, and the possibility of life on other planets. The elements of science fiction were explained and then identified (with textual support), not only with group novels, but also with whole class short stories. Students were given the choice to write an expository or persuasive essay or a short work of science fiction for their individual summative assessment. Twice a week, students reading the same book completed activities that related to that week’s reading, which focused on making connections, identifying main events, and learning new vocabulary, and then shared their work.
The three new books provided by the PTO were great additions to this unit, adding new perspectives to these themes. All were unique to their genre, well-written and engaging. Those students that selected "The TIme Machine" were also intrigued that a novel written over a century ago still posed scientific possibilities that science grapples with today. Some students who read "Life As We Knew It" even went on to read the next book in the series, unprompted! "Ender’s Game" also appealed to the students in that it allowed them to escape into a world of games, wherein winning is a matter of survival. The students’ levels of engagement with the new novels were apparent in much of their work, but especially in the group book trailers created using iMovie. Those who chose to act out the scenes showed a true understanding of theme and tone. Examples of these book trailers are below.
When asked what they liked about the novels, the students responded that they liked the fact that there were more options (variety) to choose from rather than the novels that have been used year after year. One student commented that she liked the different ways that science fiction writers chose to talk about the possible future events. Another student just liked that he could read a novel that no one else had potentially read before this year. He could form his own thoughts and opinions.
- Jacky N. Period 6 on "Ender’s Game": “I liked how dramatic the ending of the book was. I also like Card’s idea of everyone playing a big trick on Ender...I would recommend this book.”
- Anthony T. Period 6 on "Life As We Knew It": “I liked how they all got along with each other and never gave up.”
- Carson F. Period 6 on "Ender’s Game": “This book is fantastic. I think it earns a solid 2 in my top books of all time (under Harry Potter). I could recall any of the characters from memory, and there was fantastic detail. I especially loved how Graff ate because he was stressed and became gradually fatter over the course of the book.”
- Carly N. Period 3 on "The Time Machine": “I liked the action and storyline in this story...I would recommend this book, it was pretty good!”
- Lily A. Period 3 on "Life As We Knew It": “I liked that it was realistic with a believable event that hasn’t actually happened.”
- Nic U. Period 2 on "The Time Machine": “I liked how well the Traveller explained the validity of time travel. He presents a very compelling argument for the existence of the fourth dimension.”