Science Fiction

What is Science Fiction? Science fiction is a writing style which combines science and fiction. It is only limited by what we presently know about the basic physical laws of nature. Science fiction stories all contain the following elements: Time or Space Possibility of the event happening Affect on humans Advanced Technology

More Elements of Science Fiction Realistic and fantastic details Grounded in science Usually set in the future Unknown inventions Makes a serious comment about the world Often contains a warning for humankind

Science Fiction Settings Another planet Another dimension of existence May be a utopia or dystopia May be in the future May time travel to the past (or future) May take place in present, but alternate reality

Science Fiction Characters Protagonist (Hero) Antagonist (Villain) These characters may be a being (human or other) or may be a force Protagonist or Antagonist may be society’s laws, a disease or other problem, technology, etc. Creatures, robots, aliens, etc.

Sci Fi Author’s Definitions The author Theodore Sturgeon said, "'A good science-fiction story is a story about human beings, with a human problem, and a human solution, which would not have happened at all without its science content'"

Remember: Writers take scientific possibilities and develop them step-by- step from known data to form a story.

Science is Important to the Story Advanced technology Genetics Disease Exploration Special powers or senses as a result of science Science can be the savior or the root of the problem

Science Fiction VS. Fantasy In Science Fiction, there needs to be some possibility that the events could possibly happen. “a form of fiction that draws imaginatively on scientific knowledge and speculation in its plot, setting, theme, etc.” Ender’s Game, Brave New World, The Wanting Seed, Hunger Games, Dune, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, “I am Legend”. In Fantasy, the author can use far-fetched assumptions. ie; unicorns, three-legged creatures etc.

Fantasy Fantasies are stories set in fanciful, invented worlds; they have NO possibility of happening. an alternate and more fanciful version of our own world, or in a legendary, mythic past. Fantasy fiction stories generally involve magic, mystical elements, or supernatural creatures. Harry Potter, Twilight, Lord of the Rings, Eragon

Major Themes in Science Fiction Unexplained Phenomena Self- Knowledge The Individual versus Society 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:, District 9) Alternate Universe (ie: Star Wars)

Plot Conventions of Science Fiction Examples of Story Ideas: The Last Man/Woman on Earth The Robot The First Landing Story Time Travel The Alternate World The Lost Civilization

The Alien Encounter The Colonization of a New Planet The End of the World The Long Spaceship Voyage The Computer From the point of view of an alien

Sci Fi Movies Today What are some famous science fiction movies in this decade? Matrix, Matrix Reloaded, Matrix Revolutions New Star Wars Trilogy Spiderman Men in Black X-Men Planet of the Apes Resident Evil I, Robot Avatar War of the Worlds

Why should we study Science Fiction? 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