Ohioana Authors Curriculum
Links to Science Fiction Lessons
Bringing Facts Into Science Fiction
Source: New York Time Company - The Learning Network
In this lesson, students develop a setting, plot and characters for a science fiction story based on current news themes, and then individually write drafts of the story.
Swinging on a Star: Exploring the Issues Related to Interstellar Space Travel
Source: New York Time Company - The Learning Network
In this lesson, students will learn about the issues that might arise if humans were to go on an interstellar space mission. They then synthesize their understanding of interstellar travel by writing scenes from a science fiction novel that would depict such a mission.
Back to the Future: A Lesson About Science Fiction Visions of the Future
Source: New York Time Company - The Learning Network
In this lesson, students will explore the benefits of new technology for the home and its possible drawbacks.
Mission Possible: Exploring Plausible Inventions for Make-Believe Movies
Source: New York Time Company - The Learning Network
In this lesson, students create blueprints for imaginary inventions based on real-world technological principles. They then write explanations of how their inventions work in the form of movie dialogues.
Prize-Winning Prose: Developing "Kids' Pulitzers"
Source: New York Time Company - The Learning Network
Students develop criteria for 'Kids’ Pulitzers,' awards in categories of writing determined by the students. Each student will then bestow a 'Kids’ Pulitzer' upon a piece of writing which they deem to be distinguished based on the established criteria.
Reading Response Journals: Writing After Reading is Revealing! (article)
Source: Education World
Tips to help teachers establish effective journal-writing experiences.
Author Study Unit
Source: Saskatchewan Education
During an author study, students can examine the writer's craft in depth, and identify and categorize a variety of elements of style (e.g., imagery, metaphor, hyperbole, connotation, alliteration, understatement), providing that the study of elements does not detract from the enjoyment of the reading.
