Finding the Science Behind Science Fiction Through Paired Readings

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Title:

Finding the Science Behind Science Fiction Through Paired Readings

URL:

http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/finding-science-behind-science-927.html

Content Source:

ReadWriteThink
Type: Lesson/Unit Plan

Overview:

Science fiction has the potential to spark lively discussions while inviting students to extrapolate from their own working knowledge of scientific principles. This genre offers a human lens to what can otherwise be a complex science concept. In this lesson, students will be able to explore the genre of science fiction while learning more about the science integrated into the plot of the story using nonfiction texts and resources. They first define the science fiction genre and then read and discuss science fiction texts. Next, they conduct research to find scientific facts that support or dispute the science included in the plot of the science fiction book they read. Students then revisit their definition of the genre and revise it based on their reading. Finally, students complete a project that examines the science fiction genre in relation to real-world science concepts and topics.

Content Standard(s):
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 6
R1. Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 6
R3. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically when researching and writing, both individually and collaboratively.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 6
1. Identify and explain an author's rhetorical choices, including point of view, purpose, anecdotes, and figurative, connotative, and technical word meanings, to develop central and supporting ideas.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 6
24. Write about research findings independently over short and/or extended periods of time.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 6
26. Utilize research findings to communicate relevant details, opinions, and ideas about a topic or text in oral presentations.

a. Answer questions in discussions about their research findings.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 6
27. Discover word meanings by analyzing word parts, examining connotation and denotation, or using print or digital reference tools.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 7
R1. Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 7
R3. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically when researching and writing, both individually and collaboratively.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 7
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 7
9. Participate in collaborative discussions about prose and poetry by evaluating the use of literary devices and elements.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 7
24. Determine the relevance, reliability, and validity of information from nonfiction and fictional printed and/or digital texts.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 7
26. Produce research writings over extended periods with time for research, reflection, and revision and within shorter time frames, with minimal guidance.

Examples: a day or two, a single sitting
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 7
28. Incorporate research into oral presentations, summarizing and supporting opinions and ideas with relevant details.

a. Collect information through the research process to answer follow-up questions and participate in discussions about their research findings.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 8
R1. Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 8
R3. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically when researching and writing, both individually and collaboratively.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 8
R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 8
10. Engage in coherent and collaborative discussions about prose and poetry by evaluating the use of literary devices and elements.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 8
23. Determine the relevance, reliability, and validity of information from nonfiction and fictional printed and/or digital texts.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 8
25. Produce research writings independently over extended periods of time which encompass research, reflection, and revision and over shorter time frames.

Examples: a day or two, a single sitting
Tags: Compare and Contrast Guide, genre, nonfiction, research, science fiction
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Author: Cassie Raulston