“Science fiction is no more written for scientists that ghost stories are written for ghosts.” Brian Aldiss SCIENCE FICTION

HOW TO TAKE NOTES FOR THIS INFORMATION Cornell-style (see right) Some direct transcription (writing exactly what is on the slide) Some interpretation and conceptualizing (you filter the information and write down the ideas) If it’s in YELLOW, write it down exactly. If you see this, interpret the concepts.

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. It evolved as a response to fantasy.

SCIENCE FICTION VS. FANTASY Rod Serling – of Twilight Zone fame – said: “Fantasy is the impossible made probable. Science fiction is the improbable made possible”. In Science Fiction, there needs to be some possibility that the events could possibly happen. In Fantasy, the author can use far-fetched assumptions. ie; unicorns, three-legged creatures 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'"

SCIENCE FICTION: THE NOVEL The first true science fiction novel was Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Frankenstein was the first novel in English to deal with the possibility that science can create a monster that can destroy science and possibly mankind. Mary Shelley did not wish the story to be considered "supernatural“. She made the main character a scientist and his scientific efforts were highlighted

WHAT IS EXTRAPOLATION? Extrapolation is when a writer takes fact and imagines what might happen if events or circumstances evolve. For example: Man can build rockets Man knows black holes exist Man can build space stations Let’s imagine man builds a machine that travels through black holes to establish alternative worlds in different time continuums. Fact Fiction

YOUR TURN Humans have mapped our genetic code Humans know that mammals have language – some have very sophisticated systems of communication Humans have the capacity to clone ??? Fact Fiction

SCIENCE FICTION: FILM How would you define the science fiction film genre?

EXAMPLES OF SCIENCE FICTION FILMS FROM THE 2000S YouTube - science fiction from the 2000s

MAJOR THEMES IN SCIENCE FICTION 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 humans brought about by scientific changes (ie: The Incredible Hulk, Spider Man)

MAJOR THEMES IN SCIENCE FICTION (CONTINUED) Supernormal powers/talents (ie: Superman, Spiderman, Batman) Science for constructive or destructive purposes (ie: Weird Science, Frankenstein) Battle with alien life forms (ie: Signs, The Day the Earth Stood Still, District 9) Alternate Universe (ie: Star Wars)

The Last Man/Woman on Earth The Robot The First Landing Story Time Travel The Alternate World An alien’s perspective Artificial Intelligence The Lost Civilization The Alien Encounter The Colonization of a New Planet The End of the World The Long Spaceship Voyage The Computer PLOT CONVENTIONS OF SCIENCE FICTION

SCI FI MOVIES TODAY What are some famous science fiction movies in this decade?

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 genre Teaches lessons about the value and dangers of advanced technology Enhances imagination Answers essential question: we can, but should we?

Select a non-science fiction film from the list right (or your own idea). Change the setting, plot, characters, conflict to turn the film into a science fiction story. Work alone or in groups. Create an idea for our wall. Shrek (any) Frozen Despicable Me 2 Alice in Wonderland (2010) Up Home Alone How the Grinch Stole Christmas The LEGO Movie Despicable Me Night at the Museum Frozen Happy Feet High School Musical National Treasure (any) The Italian Job YOUR TURN…