National Science Fiction Day
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated December 16, 2024
3 Ways to Celebrate National Science Fiction Day in the Classroom
National Science Fiction Day, celebrated on January 2nd, is a fantastic opportunity to ignite your students’ imaginations and foster a love for futuristic worlds, innovative ideas, and deep thinking. Science fiction not only entertains but also encourages critical thinking about technology, society, and the future. Today on the blog we share some engaging ways to bring the excitement of sci-fi into your classroom with engaging books, stories, and creative writing activities.
Looking for some no-prep activities to help you celebrate National Science Fiction Day in your classroom? Click on the image or button below to download these great resources!
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1 – Explore Sci-Fi Novels
Longer novels allow students to dive deep into the imaginative worlds of science fiction while exploring themes of identity, society, and resilience. Consider introducing these popular titles:
•The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Set in a dystopian future, this novel explores survival, courage, and societal structures through the thrilling story of Katniss Everdeen. Use this book to discuss themes like government control, personal sacrifice, and the power of hope.
Grab a complete novel study to use along with this book by clicking here or on the image or button below!
Read more about teaching The Hunger Games here.
Grab a copy of this novel on Amazon by clicking here or on the image or button below!
•Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
This novel challenges ideas of beauty, conformity, and individuality in a world where everyone undergoes surgery to become “perfect” at age 16. It’s an excellent springboard for conversations about body image, societal expectations, and the price of progress.
Grab a complete unit to go along with this novel by clicking here or on the image or button below!
Grab a copy of this novel on Amazon by clicking here or on the image or button below!
•The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Set in a mysterious, ever-changing maze, this fast-paced novel explores survival, teamwork, and the resilience of the human spirit. It challenges readers to think about ethical experimentation, memory, and the lengths society might go to solve global problems. Perfect for sparking discussions on morality, trust, and human ingenuity.
Grab a copy of this novel on Amazon by clicking here or on the image or button below!
•Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
This gripping tale follows Ender Wiggin, a boy trained through battle simulations to save humanity from an alien threat. The novel delves into themes of leadership, the ethics of war, and the psychological toll of being chosen to bear a great responsibility. It’s a powerful story for discussing moral dilemmas and the impact of decision-making under pressure.
You can pick up a copy of this novel on Amazon by clicking here or on the image or button below!
•The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
A post-apocalyptic world ravaged by alien invasions sets the stage for this action-packed novel about trust, survival, and hope. Through the eyes of Cassie Sullivan, students can explore what it means to cling to humanity when everything familiar has been stripped away. Excellent for initiating conversations about perseverance and loyalty in the face of adversity.
Check out this novel on Amazon by clicking here or on the image or button below!
•Cinder by Marissa Meyer
This futuristic retelling of Cinderella combines dystopia, sci-fi, and fairy tale elements. With a cyborg heroine navigating a world of prejudice, political intrigue, and a deadly plague, the story opens the door to discushttps://amzn.to/4iDdVbIsions about technology, discrimination, and identity. A great way to blend classic literature with modern themes.
Grab a copy of this novel on Amazon by clicking here or on the image or button below!
•Scythe by Neal Shusterman
In a future where death has been eradicated, two teens are chosen to apprentice as scythes—those tasked with controlling the population by taking lives. The novel examines ethics, the value of life, and the consequences of utopian ideals. It’s an excellent conversation starter about morality, justice, and the balance of power.
See this novel on Amazon by clicking here or on the image or button below!
Classroom Tip: Assign small groups to discuss specific themes, then hold a class-wide discussion to compare how each book presents its vision of the future.
2 – Read Short Stories for National Science Fiction Day
Short stories offer quick, thought-provoking glimpses into science fiction and make for excellent classroom discussions. Here are some classics to consider:
•The Veldt by Ray Bradbury
This chilling story explores the dangers of over-reliance on technology when a futuristic nursery blurs the line between imagination and reality. After reading, discuss the ethical implications of advanced technology and how it might shape family dynamics.
Grab a complete short story unit for teaching The Veldt here or by clicking on the image or button below!
•Rain, Rain, Go Away by Isaac Asimov
This mysterious story follows a seemingly normal family with a strange aversion to rain. Its twist ending sparks discussions about prejudice and the fear of the unknown.
Grab an engaging unit to use with this story here or by clicking on the image or button below.
•Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut
In a dystopian society where equality is enforced by handicapping the gifted, a defiant young man rebels against oppression, leading to a dramatic and tragic confrontation with authority.
Find a rigorous teaching unit to use along with this short story here or by clicking on the image or button below.
Activity Idea: Have students compare the themes and messages of the two stories. How do the authors use futuristic settings to comment on human behavior?
Read more about teaching sci-fi short stories for National Science Fiction Day, and check out some additional great titles, in this blog post!
3 – Create Original Stories for National Science Fiction Day
Nothing sparks creativity quite like writing your own science fiction! Encourage students to imagine futuristic worlds, incredible inventions, and new challenges for humanity. Grab a complete science fiction writing unit here, or by clicking on the image or button below!
Science fiction inspires students to think beyond the present and imagine what’s possible. By exploring sci-fi novels, short stories, and writing their own tales, your students will engage with big ideas, practice creative problem-solving, and develop a deeper understanding of how science and humanity are connected.
Read more about teaching science fiction by checking out this blog post – it talks all about the benefits of exploring this exciting genre with your students!
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