Search

Researchers who have investigated the public understanding of science have argued that fictional cinema and television has proven to be particularly effective at blurring the distinction between fact and fiction. The rationale for this study lies in the notion that to teach science effectively, educators need to understand how popular culture influences their students' perception and understanding of science. Using naturalistic research methods in a diverse middle school we found that students who watched a popular science fiction film, "The Core", had a number of misunderstandings of earth science concepts when compared to students who did not watch the movie. We found that a single viewing of a science fiction film can negatively impact student ideas regarding scientific phenomena. Specifically, we found that the film leveraged the scientific authority of the main character, coupled with scientifically correct explanations of "some" basic earth science, to create a series of plausible, albeit unscientific, ideas that made sense to students.

The term "science fiction" has become synonymous, in the media at least, for any discovery in science too incredible or unexpected for the nonscientist to imagine. One of the most common classroom uses of science fiction is for students to pick out flaws in science fiction movies or television shows. Unfortunately, this approach can result in students who come to distrust anything that sounds like science. Science fiction has so much more to offer in terms of good science and how science works, while at the same time addressing the basics of literacy. The books, "A Man's Place" by Eric Choi and "The Cold Equation" by Tom Godwin, show why science fiction is an ideal medium for exploring issues in science and society. In this article, the author makes a case for why science fiction should be a part of science curricula and provides an all-purpose activity to help teachers use science fiction in the classroom. (Contains 2 figures.)

This writing-intensive, lab-based, nonmajor biology course explores scientific inquiry and biological concepts through specific topics illustrated or inaccurately depicted in works of science fiction. The laboratory emphasizes the scientific method and introduces several techniques used in biological research related to the works we study. (Contains 1 table.)

Over the years, many movies have presented on-screen a struggle between machines and human beings. Typically, the machines have come to rule and threaten the existence of humanity. They must be conquered to ensure the survival of and to secure the freedom of the human race. Although these movies appear to expose the dangers of an autonomous and hegemonic technology and to champion the human being, they do not. Humans do not in the end triumph over technology but merge with the machine. Instead of liberation from technological domination, the movies in question depict as inevitable the total surrender and absorption of humanity to and into technology. These movies lead to a denial of the true conditions of our existence in technology. Many films could serve to illustrate the problem, but this study focuses on two representative film trilogies: "The Terminator" and "The Matrix." (Contains 9 notes.)

Objective: The science fiction film "Invaders From Mars" is used to teach principles of child development; clinical features of separation anxiety and nightmares; and clinical interventions, including child psychotherapy, child protective issues, and crisis management. Methods: Commercial films have been used as teaching aids in child psychiatry seminars. In this child psychiatry seminar, "Invaders From Mars" is viewed, and relevant teaching points are discussed with child psychiatry residents. Results: The response of child psychiatry residents has been positive, with high ratings. Conclusion: This film may serve as a useful tool for teaching child psychiatry residents principles of child development, clinical features of separation anxiety and nightmares, and basic clinical interventions.

To resuscitate means to revive or make go on. This paper is an exploration of my first six months at a Canadian university as a doctoral student. Through a chronological narrative, I explore my experiences through the governing relations of the academy as a way to provoke dialogue about the role of feminist researcher in the institution. By comparing feminine subjectivity of the "woman returner" (Hughes, 2002) through the character in a feminist science fiction novel the challenges of the academy find resonance and meaning in a reinvention of self.

This article examines the work of several anthropologists from the 1960s to the 1980s who used images of the future in their anthropology classrooms in order to stimulate alternative thinking in their students. In response to the apparent inevitability of "monofutures" characterized by globalization, I suggest the necessity for such an approach today. (Contains 2 notes.)

This paper explores the intersections of spirituality, religion and gender in contemporary children's books published in the United States. Background for the discussion includes a history of religion in children's literature and the history of women's roles in the Christian tradition. Representative works of realistic fiction--historical and contemporary--and one work of science fiction are discussed. (Contains 1 note.)

This manuscript addresses adoption and the related gifts and challenges faced by adoptees. Challenges such as the search for identity, reconciliation, and identifying how they belong are also discussed. This manuscript also addresses common myths and misconceptions about the adoption experience. A creative intervention, using super heroes and science fiction, is illustrated through case study.

Societal and ethical implications of nanotechnology have become a hot topic of public debates in many countries because both revolutionary changes and strong public concerns are expected from its development. Because nanotechnology is, at this point, mostly articulated in visionary and futuristic terms, it is difficult to apply standard methods of technology assessment and even more difficult to consider it in engineering ethics courses. In this article, the authors suggest using selected science fiction stories in the engineering ethics classroom to provide students with ethical skills and cultural knowledge required for engaging in public debates and for responsible decision making. Against the background of general debates on teaching engineering ethics, they do so by discussing the advantages and possible drawbacks of this approach and by presenting two examples of nano-science fiction classics.

Orson Scott Card's school stories in outer space, "Ender's Game" and "Ender's Shadow," purportedly occur at the same time and tell the "same" story, but from the perspectives of two different child protagonists. Scenes in "Ender's Shadow" even reproduce text from "Ender's Game." Nevertheless, 14 years elapsed between the publications of the two books. This essay brings child studies and exceptionality research to bear on the two novels, analyzing the development of Card's ideology regarding his view of the exceptional child and his view of the nature of heroism in a post-modern world.

Developmentalism and Romanticism represent contrary poles in an absolutist dichotomy that frames most Western discourse on childhood. This opposition is generally recognized in current childhood studies but the former discourse still dominates institutional practices. Both views, however, rely on similar presumptions--that development is a linear process, whether an ascent or descent; that childhood as a subjective position is best understood through simple absolutes; that through studying children we can know them and even learn about our adult selves. These common premises reinforce each discourse's credibility and obscure their contradictions, justifying adult projections and stereotypes. In this essay I demonstrate the deconstruction of this binary in science fiction (my samples come from texts written for or popular among adolescents) and examine the more empowering views posited therein, exemplified by interpreting evolution as neotenous, or led by children.

Science fiction deserves a greater respect, serious and critical reading and a better place in high school literature classes. Some of the science fiction books by Isaac Asimov, Alfred Bester, Ray Bradbury and Octavia L. Butler and various activities for incorporating science fiction into the English language arts instruction classroom are described.

This article discusses the results of a mainly qualitative study into possible impacts of recent controversial socio-scientific issues on a group of Portuguese secondary school students regarding their conceptions about scientists. The 86 participants: (1) answered a questionnaire with open-ended questions; and (2) wrote a science fiction story involving a group of scientists working on a particular situation of her/his choice. Next, semi-structured interviews were carried out to clarify and discuss the ideas embodied in the stories and mentioned in the questionnaire. All data underwent a process of content analysis. The socio-scientific controversies recently discussed, and the way science and scientists are depicted in the media, seem to have produced some impact on students' conceptions about scientists. Based on the results obtained, some remarks and educational implications are discussed.

The question this article addresses is: Is "Artemis" art? That is, how successful is Eoin Colfer's attempt to combine disparate forms, such as fairy stories, science fiction stories and thrillers in the three "Artemis Fowl" novels? Basic elements of story, such as narrative stance, characterisation and plot, as well as some particularly contemporary issues relating to political correctness, are examined in the search for an answer to that question.

The use of science fiction for teaching thermodynamics to introductory students is described. The universality and the tremendous predictive power of thermodynamics is demonstrated.

It is argued that a positive response to lifelong learning policies involves the use of imaginative curriculum design in order to attract learners from disadvantaged backgrounds who are otherwise alienated from higher education. In this article a case study is presented based on the popularity of science fiction within popular culture, beginning with community-based modules in the South Wales valleys and culminating in a complete BSc honours award in Science and Science Fiction. This experiment in curriculum engineering has recruited adult learners, as well as school-leavers, and has led to the use of innovative teaching and learning methods that complement curriculum objectives and outcomes.

The imagination of human beings and the exploration of novel ideas have always contributed to developments in science. These developments lead us to re-examine the existing structures in our environment and society so that they can be further improved. The review of literature regarding science fiction and its place in education also highlights the need for novel topics in design education. Thus, integrating a course in the curriculum of design education that aims to explore futuristic and visionary oriented environments like Mars Colonies, Orbital Space Colonies or Orbital Space Hotels would seem crucial. Such topics would probably not only stimulate the students in their design process, but also develop their imagination, as they require research and synectic thinking. As to whether stimulating imagination should be among the priorities in teaching, in fact, it is the dreams, imagination and creativity that has shaped and will shape human development and social-cultural contexts.

This article, based on a presentation made by the author at the 2003 California Library Association conference, provides examples of how librarians and teachers can use Science Fiction to provide catalysts for discussion in a variety of subjects; teach students how to question intelligently; and stimulate their imaginations, thus motivating them to learn. It covers some of the books, short stories, motion pictures, and television shows that can be used to stimulate student learning, and methods of ascertaining what resources are available.

Notes that African American literature has always had science fiction elements in its focus on narratives of the alienated and marginalized "other." Contends that Octavia Butler and Virginia Hamilton are two African American writers of science fiction who examine the connections between the stories of a culture and the genre of science fiction. Discusses these authors' backgrounds and works. (PM)

Presents an interview with Greg Bear and David Brin, two science fiction writers who started Reading for the Future, an international project geared toward secondary school students that shows teachers and librarians how science fiction inspires young readers. Discusses programs that have come out of this group; standards for books geared toward young adults; perceptions about science fiction; and the state of reading among young adults. (AEF)

Discusses why science needs science fiction, commenting on the author's book about science that draws heavily on the "Star Trek" series. The best science, in spite of popular thinking, comes from leaps of intuition, and science fiction provides a creative spark that encourages participation in science. (SLD)

Presents an autobiographical sketch of a science fiction writer's relationship with the Information Technology revolution, from the Commodore PET to Microsoft 2000: a creator of imaginary futures privileged to observe an "imaginary future" in the act of becoming present reality. Touches on the nature of narrative and technology, the changing workplace, and the changes in human interaction. (SG)

Suggests that a college English-as-a-Foreign-Language course using science fiction texts and films can help students whose imminent concern is not only language proficiency, but also the culture of an English-speaking world. Presents two techniques for helping students enjoy reading, thus enhancing their language skills. (Author/VWL)

Describes the development of "Alien Rescue," a hypermedia-based program designed to engage middle school students in solving a complex problem related to the solar system and that has a science fiction premise. Discusses planning; producing and testing; theoretical influences on the design methodology; and trends in educational software design. (Author/LRW)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 81 science fiction, fantasy, and horror genre titles that were judged best-reads by reviewers in "Voice of Youth Advocates" from June 2001 through April 2002. (LRW)

Examines the child protagonists of "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" as they move within their own culture. Concludes that what could be a novel of understanding and acceptance turns out to be a terrific adventure story, but rather typical in that any culture that is not the protagonist's own is dangerous and inferior. (SG)

Presents an annotated list of the 40 books reviewed in this journal from 1996-2000 that were judged to be the best in quality and popularity, including fiction, nonfiction, and science fiction/fantasy/horror. Discusses the review process for books that appeal to young adults. (LRW)

Outlines the features of "pulpstyle" and its continuing influence on later science fiction. Considers some science fiction texts that explicitly address language issues. These ideas are related to practical techniques of using science fiction in the language classroom. (Author/VWL)

Discusses using science fiction stories in the English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) classroom. Presents experiences in a science fiction course with some successful methods in eliciting EFL students' discussion. Concludes that using both film and text versions of science fiction stories can be useful devices in helping EFL students participate confidently in reading classes. (Author/VWL)

Offers brief annotations of 40 science fiction and fantasy books that middle school readers might enjoy. Notes that readers can confront the realities of this real world as the fictional characters fight good and evil, search for identity, summon courage, and enjoy family and friends. (SR)

Draws on Milton's "Paradise Lost" and on motifs found within Gnostic mythology and the poetry of William Blake to explore how Philip Pullman reworks the Judeo-Christian myth of the Fall in his trilogy, "His Dark Materials." Finds at its center "Dust": a conventional metaphor for human physicality in which good and evil, and spirit and matter coexist. (SR)

Presents the annual annotated list of the best science fiction, fantasy, and horror titles for teens that have been reviewed in this journal. Also includes a sidebar with four annotated titles of nonfiction resources related to science fiction, fantasy, and horror. (LRW)

Interviews Kim Stanley Robinson, a well-known science fiction author. Discusses his reasons for writing science fiction, his writing influences, and writing techniques. Explains his interest in science and the relationship between music and his writing. (PM)