8th+Grade+Language+Arts


 * WELCOME SciFi Novice!** You are embarking on a journey into a new world. You'll travel to distant times and places and encounter new and exciting people, places, and even a few aliens! At the end of your journey, you'll have a chance to test your skills and knowledge and become a true SciFi Master. Good luck!


 * Step 1:** Click on the tab below to view and listen to the following Powerpoint presentation titled "//Science Fiction Literature: Science, Technology, and Imagination"//. Take notes as you listen. When you've finished, answer the questions and post your answers on the Discussion tab of this WIKI!



Here's a description of five great books. Some of these are Science Fiction books and others are not. Your task is to read through each description, and based on what you learned in the Powerpoint presentation, determine if the book would be included in a list of Science Fiction titles.

1. //"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"// by J. K. Rowling. Harry Potter, a young boy being raised by a cruel aunt and uncle, finds out that he is really a wizard and gets to attend a magical school called "Hogwarts". He learns to use his magical powers to defeat an evil villain named "Voldemort" and save his friends.

2. //"Star Wars",// series of books by various authors. Luke Skywalker lives on a distant planet in the future. He learns that his father was a famous Jedi Knight. Luke travels from planet to planet and battles aliens on a quest to defeat the evil Empire. He uses all kinds of cool technology, vehicles, and weapons in his quest.

3. //"H.I.V.E."// by Mark Walden. Otto Malpense is thirteen years old and living in an orphanage when he is kidnapped and taken to a school called H.I.V.E., The Higher Institute of Villainous Education. This is a school where future villains are trained using robots, advanced computers, high-tech weapons, and skilled ninja trainers. Otto must learn just where he fits in at school and with his new friends as they come up against a truly villainous adversary!

4. //"The Fellowship of the Ring"// by J. R. R. Tolkien. In this tale that takes place in a whole new world called Middle Earth, Frodo Baggins goes on a quest to destroy a magical ring and save his friends and family. He travels to many places, encounters new creatures, and sees how magic can aid him in being successful in his quest.

5. //"The Time Machine"// by H. G. Wells. A time traveller travels backwards and forwards in time, finally arriving in the world of 802,701 A.D.--a world of total strangeness. This is the tale of his incredible journey.

1. The Time Machine 2. The Island of Dr. Moreau 3. The Invisible Man 4. The War of the Worlds 5. The First Men on the Moon
 * Step 2:** In the powerpoint, you learned about a famous Science Fiction author, H. G. Wells. He is considered one of the "grandfathers" of Science Fiction and many of today's authors credit him as a great influence on their books and stories. There is a link below titled "H.G.Wells Biography". Read through H. G. Wells' biography to learn some interesting facts about this amazing author. Then, look for the section labeled "Writer". This section lists some of H. G. Wells most famous works. Click on the link for these five titles: //The Time Machine, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Invisible Man, The War of the Worlds, and The First Men on the Moon.// Read the summary of each book to get the idea of the story and note some main characters and places in the story. Use the back button to click on a different title. You'll be asked to match the following titles and information:

A. Mr. Bedford, Dr. Cavor and the Selenites B. Mrs. Hall, Thomas Marvel, and an inn called The Coach and Horses C. An unnamed narrator and an observatory in Ottershaw D. A traveler, the Eloi, and the Morlocks E. Edward Pendrick and Doctor Montgomery

Post your answers in the Discussion tab. Use the number/letter format, for example, 1A or 3D.

H.G.Wells Biography


 * Step 3:** You're almost there! There is a link below titled "War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast". Click on this link to learn about a radio broadcast from October of 1938 that shocked the nation and caused widespread panic. Read about the Plot Summary of the broadcast, the Public Reaction, and The Aftermath. Jot down some key facts, ideas, and information. Then, think about everything you've learned about Science Fiction and its impact on our culture today. Are you ready? Now, write a paragraph (7-8 complete sentences) answering the following question:

//Think about the advanced technology, high speed communication abilities, special effects capabilities, and attitudes of our culture today. If a radio or television station broke into all regularly scheduled broadcasts today with a special announcement regarding a martian invasion taking place in the United States, would this broadcast cause the same reaction? If so, why? How easy would it be to fool today's listeners or viewers? If not, why not? What would be some reasons why viewers and listeners wouldn't be fooled?//

After you have posted your paragraph in the Discussion tab, read and respond to two classmates paragraphs. Make sure your responses are complete, fair, and add to the discussion of this topic.

War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast


 * Step 4:** Wow! You made it! You're a SciFi Master! When you've completed the tasks above, click on the link below titled "SciFi Fun & Games". This website has some great trivia and games to test your SciFi knowledge. Explore the site! There are many games in Easy, Moderate, and Difficult levels--choose a game and level and have some SciFi Fun!

SciFi Fun & Games