Exploring Fantasy and Futuristic Fiction

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EXPLORING FANTASY AND FUTURISTIC FICTION FINAL DRAFT

Students in this class will venture into the world of literature focusing on fantasy, science fiction, and futuristic fiction to complete projects in collaborative

groups. Using technology for research virtual visits, author-Skyping, and exploring the craft of writing, students will read, discuss, research, and create as

they complete their projects and present to parents and peers. What is it? Literature in the genres of fantasy and science fiction are closely related. Fantasies are stories

that involve beings and events that do not exist in real life. These works may start on a realistic bent but they soon evolve into tales that could never really happen. Science

fiction literature focuses on real or imagined developments in science or technology. All science fiction and fantasy writers face a common challenge. They try to present

worlds that are radically and intriguingly different from today's world. The basic themes of science fiction include time travel, space travel, marvelous inventions, or

discoveries, life in other worlds, and the invasion of Earth by beings from other planets.

If an activity or resource is marked with a project or foldable, the links lead you to sites from which to choose an assignment: http://www.greenninja.org/workshop/TL-foldables!!![1].pdf - http://pinterest.com/curriculumgal/foldables/ - http://pinterest.com/MsKris/foldables http://pinterest.com/alwayslearning/foldables-as-graphic-organizers - http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/

Italicized resources are additional reading strategies. Use the following for others: http://www.farr-integratingit.net/Theory/ReadingStrategies - http://hillview.mpcsd.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=178921&sessionid=4a15c498ec6ad00ee92647d96c71d878&sessionid=4a15c498ec6ad00ee92647d96c71d878 –

http://www.cobbk12.org/Cheathamhill/LFS%20Update/Graphic%20Organizers.htm - http://www.literacy.uconn.edu/compre.htm

CCSS / Activities / Essential Questions Resource numbers are listed from top to bottom on Resource Guide.
PART 1 / Futuristic (Science) Fiction and Fantasy / How does science-fiction and fantasy literature present and reflect on social and political issues?
What is the role of SFF in modern society?
SL.7.1.
L.7.3.
RI.7.5.
RI.7.7.
SL.7.4.
SL.7.2. / The Genre Write two or three sentences describing what you think futuristic fiction and fantasy are.
Carousel - Divide into groups to discuss sentences. Each group uses a different color marker and butcher paper to write their definitions. Put posters on the wall, rotate to add or change and discuss what the previous group wrote. Use exit slips for formative assessment.
Watch In the Year 2525 -Respond to a prompt to imagine what 1960 was like when 2525 was written. Imagine how 2025 will be based on today.
Create a picture collage or storyboard depicting 2025.
Separate the genres to show understanding characteristics of each. Use the class definitions, make a list of examples of futuristic and fantasy fiction.
Discuss characteristics of the genre. Explain, "print" and "non print.” – Print materials - books, maps, journals, photos, newspapers etc. Non-print usually refers to electronic materials. PowerPoint’s, Wikis, Games and DVDs, as well as graphics such as pictures, comics, etc.
Groups read, recall, and discuss genre characteristics of Fantasy and Futuristic Fiction. Skim, Scan, Underline, and Highlight
Repeat for vocabulary and list characteristics of Fantasy along top of the first side of the SFA template. Identify and list the characteristics of futuristic fiction along the top of the back of the SFA.
Groups continue to add characteristics to the top of fantasy SFA. Analyze the matrix to gain a deeper understanding of the vocabulary. List stories and videos on the left side of the SFA. / Writing to Demonstrate Learning
Think Pair Share
Predict
Making Connections
Exit Slip RESOURCE 1
2025 YouTube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhNM2K8cmU8
Characteristics of the Genre RESOURCE 2
PowerPoints:
Fantasy Elements RESOURCE 3 Elements and History of Science Fiction RESOURCE 4
Semantic Feature Analysis Example
http://www.readingeducator.com/strategies/analysis.htm
Semantic Feature Template RESOURCE 5
Semantic Feature Analysis
In the Year 2525 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLTb4P1HD8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc8mJU9OaRQ
http://algebraforum.wikispaces.com/file/view/Kinch+3+semantic+feature+analysis+template.pdf
Highlight / Underline
Clarify-Predict-Ponder
Characteristics Handout.
Elements of Fantasy PowerPoint RESOURCE 3
Elements and History of Science Fiction RESOURCE 4
Select and Create a FOLDABLE/GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to depict learning and present it to the class.
RL.7.10.
SL.7.5
SL.7.6 / Examine print and nonprint fantasy and futuristic fiction. Create an SFA for each.
Read a short story from the fantasy and science fiction links and fill out the SFA on both
Watch: Elements of the genre videos, Predicting the future: Arthur C Clarke - Predicting the future 1964
AND YOUR CHOICE OF Two fantasy clips i.e. King Author, Lord of the Rings, Cinderella/Disney movies
Two science fiction clips i.e. Lost in Space, The Jettisons’, Star Trek / Concept and Word Analysis
Fantasy Short Stories
http://www.itsaperfectstory.com/blogs/fantasy/
Science Fiction Short Stories
http://bestsciencefictionstories.com/category/good-for-kids/
Read and Say Something http://literacy.purduecal.edu/STUDENT/ammessme/ReadSay.html
Watch the YouTube videos Predicting the future: Arthur C Clarke - Predicting the future 1964 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxYgdX2PxyQ
Elements of Fantasy Digital Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OebNXFxe79I
The Science Fiction Genre
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWUWFyOoyVE
Select and Create a FOLDABLE/GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to depict the differences in fantasy and science fiction. Prepare a presentation rubric for students to present their project to the class.
RI.7.7.
W.7.6.
W.7.3. / Use the information gained from the Semantic Feature Analysis to complete a group project creating an original print and/or non print fantasy or futuristic fiction piece. / Making Conclusions
Google Read Write Think
Read Write Think Comics in the Classroom as an Introduction to the Genre Study
Comic Book Elements http://scripped.com/help/nav/comic_elements
The Essentials of Comic Book Writing http://www.bigredhair.com/work/comics.html
PART 2 / Superheroes / How can I read without words?
Why do we need superheroes? Who are real life superheroes? How can we apply their characteristics to our lives?
RL.7.6 / What are the characteristics? /

Read and Say Something

Use uploaded Brainstorming document for work in progress because of students’ motivation and interest. Use CCSS

Google Read Write Think Lesson Plan: Fantastic Characters: Analyzing and Creating Superheroes and Villains

Characteristics –Superhero Gifted RESOURCE 6
SL.7.1.
SL.7.5 / Watch your choice of three of the origins videos.
In groups, prepare a powerpoint presentation – Themes in comics. / Ask before, during, and after questions
http://watchmojo.com/video/theme/comic%20book%20origins/1
RI.7.5.
RI.7.10 / Visual Parts of the book / The Visual Parts of a Comic Book Page RESOURCE 7
http://www.bigredhair.com/work/comics.html
Comics Techniques RESOURCE 8
RL.7.3.
SL.7.5
W.7.2
W.7.6 / In groups, make a Storybird with the Superhero elements including character analysis. Prepare a presentation rubric for students to present their project to the class. / Superhero Elements PP RESOURCE 9
Character Analysis (Generic) RESOURCE 10
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superhero
RL.7.1. / How to Inference – Show them the way to infer between the boxes – similar to the reading between the lines strategy. / It Says . . . I Say. . . And So . . .
Graphic Novel Inference PP RESOURCE 11
RL.7.1. / Make Inferences in Comics
Infer and write the remaining story of one-pagers. / Determine Importance
One Pager Inferences – How do I read when their aren’t words? RESOURCE 12
FOLDABLE/GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to portray the elements of comic books and their characters.
RL.7.4. / Read Superman Short Graphic / Chart the Text
Story Element Graphic Organizer
Plot Chart
Explore other Graphic Novels / Use R180 as a reference for book sets OR FREE COMIC BOOKS ONLINE: http://www.lorencollins.net/freecomic
Research Game / RESOURCE 13
RL.7.3. / Project Write and Design a Comic Book Online / Character Mapping
Problem Analysis
Comic Creator – http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/comic/index.html
The “So What” in Comics / Slide Share – http://www.slideshare.net/bright9977/10-life-lessons-from-superheroes
PART 3 / Anderson’s Fairy Tales / How is literature shaped through history and social structure?
How do cultural values shape fairy tales, or do fairy tales shape cultural values?
RI.7.5. / Author Study - Watch two Prezi and read through to discuss the web quest. / Google Read Write Think Hans Christian Andersen was born on this date in 1805
http://prezi.com/_5qqfo7cmlvu/hans-christian-andersen
http://prezi.com/ayeui1tjn60j/author-study-hans-christian-andersen
RL.7.2.
RI.7.9
RI.7.10 / Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales Who was Hans Christian Andersen? What are some of his most well known stories? What are some typical characteristics and themes of Andersen's stories? How do we feel about Andersen's stories? Each other highlights different areas of Anderson’s life. What do you see as important to each of the authors? / Paired Questioning
http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/hans-christian-andersens-fairy-tales
RL.7.2
SL.7.6
L.7.1. / Retell the stories, to make use of sequencing words (first, so, then, next, after that, finally). / Google Read Write Think Teaching About Story Structure Using Fairy Tales
RL.7.2.
L.7.1.
SL.7.5 / Students work together in small groups to read, discuss, and analyze fairy tales.
After compiling a list of common elements, students collaborate on their own original fairy tales—based on events from their own lives or the lives of someone they know. / Jigsaw
Pattern Puzzles
Google Read Write Think Fairy Tale Autobiographies
In order to synthesize fairy tale information, work in groups to select and create a non-fiction FOLDABLE.
Portray the elements of fairy tales and their characters. Use the presentation rubric.
W.7.5.
W.7.6. / Create Fractured Fairy Tales
Determine the beginning, middle, and end. / Story Map
Guided Imargy
Google Read Write Think Tool Fractured Fairy Tales
Use the online tool to change a fairy to show understanding of story setting, point of view, and plot.
W.7.1. W.7.2
SL.7.6 / Read two teacher-selected tales to complete a character analysis. / Conclusion – Support
Select and Create a FOLDABLE/GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to portray one of the characters. Prepare a presentation rubric for students to present their project to the class.
RL.7.1
RL.7.2.
RL.7.9
SL.7.6 / Inference Visualization - Self-select two tales to summarize and complete an analysis of the settings. Are the settings realistic to modern times? / Predict and Visualize
Inference and Summary RESOURCE 17
Select and Create a FOLDABLE/GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to analyze and compare the two settings. Prepare a presentation rubric for students to present their project to the class.
RI.7.10. / Review Elements of Fantasy / http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/readingliterature/genres/fantasy/fantasy_elements.pdf
PowerPoint Fantasy Elements Use RESOURCE 3 again to review
RI.7.1.
RI.7.2.
W.7.1 / Read short story A Wrinkle in time – Author Study Madeleine L’Engle) Madeleine L’Engle
Find information on Madeleine L’Engle and write an expose’. / Cite textual evidence – Star and Bar
(Sparknotes http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/wrinkle/context.html
http://www.enotes.com/authors/madeleine-l-engle
Use AR writing rubric
RI.7.9
SL.7.2.
SL.7.3.
W.7.1 / Read, discuss, explore. Is time travel possible?
Discuss challenges in early theories that time travel might be possible using a black hole. / Conclusion Support
Jigsaw, take notes, report out in groups.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/time/think.html
RL.7.2. / How essential is the setting to the story?
Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
What are the conflicts in A Wrinkle in Time?
What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional)?
How does Madeleine L'Engle reveal character in A Wrinkle in Time?
What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
What are some symbols in A Wrinkle in Time?
Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters persons you would want to meet? / Discussion Web
Self Questioning
Story Map
A Wrinkle in Time Excerpts
http://www.npr.org/books/titles/146158461/a-wrinkle-in-time-50th-anniversary-edition
(Graphic) http://www.tor.com/stories/2012/09/a-wrinkle-in-time-the-graphic-novel-comic-excerpt
http://www.sheilaomalley.com/?p=5134
http://www.scholastic.com/kids/homework/pdfs/A_Wrinkle_in_Time.pdf
RI.7.7.
RI.7.8.
SL.7.5 / Time Travel
Use the webquest guide to help you create Science Fiction. Tell what you learned about elements of a story, dimensions, space and our solar system vocabulary words / Prediction – Sequence Graphic Organizer
Concept Definition Map
A Wrinkle in Time Webquest
http://www.lifestreamcenter.net/DrB/Lessons/Wrinkle/index.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0213657/studyguide.htm
Create the story - http://www.lifestreamcenter.net/DrB/Lessons/Wrinkle/StoryCraft_files/frame.htm
RL.7.6. / Read Raising Dragons -Jerdine Nolan / Evaluate / Authentic Questions
Raising Dragons PDF Chart RESOURCE 18 http://www.serflo1.com/Raising%20Dragons.html OR Student copy RESOURCE 19
RI.7.8.
W.7.8
W.7.2.
W.7.9.
SL.7.5 / Unicorns dragons and magical creatures Dragons WebQuest
Research basic dragon facts.
Utilize links provided from dragon breeders.
Collaborate to write informative group essay that explains basic dragon care to a new, inexperienced owner of a baby dragon.
Summarize the steps taken in gathering your data. Tell how you analyzed your information and decided which findings were and were not important. Tell how your group worked together and what you learned. List strong points of group work as well as points to improve on. Write a small paragraph on using the WQ. List your likes and dislikes. / http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/unicorns-dragons-and-other-magical-creatures
http://teacherweb.com/FL/BuckhornElementary/ADaniels
Chart the Author’s Style
Cluster
Star and Bar Main Idea and Evidence
PART 4 / Science Fiction / How can exploring alien worlds help us envision new possibilities?
How does it apply to the future, especially in invention and innovation?
W.7.10.
SL.7.2.
SL.7.5 /

Background for

Asimov - The Immortal Bard; Robbie

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr- .Harrison Bergeron

Ray Bradbury - The Veldt; All Summer in a Day; August 2026:

There Will Come Soft Rains; The Pedestrian
Arthur C. Clarke - Dial F for Frankenstein; Superiority; The Sentinel /

Cornell Notes

Summarize

Anticipation

FIND STORIES ONLINE and Discover Science Fiction Authors

Explore Science Fiction: Genre Google Read Write Think Genre Study: A Collaborative Approach

Science fiction museum http://www.sfhomeworld.org/at-the-museum.aspx
Science fiction clips 2011 http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2011/12/science-fiction-5.php
World of syfy http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8310420.stm
Science fiction exploration web quest http://www.michellehenry.fr/scifi.htm
Online chat http://www.pospieszna.com/learn_english_online.htm
Create a FOLDABLE/GRAPHIC ORGANIZER that depicts the genre. Prepare a presentation rubric for students to present their project to the class.
RI.7.7. / Exploring Robots – Watch the film introductions and write a summary of the story before reading it.
Try to depict the theme. What are the three characteristics that define a robot? / Two Column Notes
Complete the web quest http://www.42explore.com/robots.htm
http://www.middleschoolscience.com/sciencefiction.htm
Google Robots in Space: Robonaut 2 Blasts Off to the International Space Station
Select and Create a FOLDABLE/GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to summarize the learned information.
RI.7.3
RI.7.7.
RI.7.8.
RI.7.10 / Choose and read three articles on robots from NPR– Watch and listen to how a robot folds laundry / Seed Discussions
3-2-1
http://www.npr.org/templates/archives/archive.php?thingId=128216998
http://ianbuckwalter.com/post/30120669561/robot-frank
Google NPR “You Know You Want One: Personal Robots Are Coming, But Not Ready For You Yet”
Select and Create a FOLDABLE/GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to show how the science fiction genre affects inventions.
RI.7.4. / Mars Robot Webquest
I, Robot / Powerpoint and Data http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/fil/pages/webroboticsm.html
http://www.middleschoolscience.com/sciencefiction.htm
RL.7.1.
RL.7.6. / READ the I, Robot chapter on “Robbie”
What does a robot look like? How does your definition of the word robot compare to these definitions?
What are some robots that you encounter on a daily basis? / Above, At, and Beneath the Lines
Pattern Puzzles
Film about Robbie http://www.singularityweblog.com/robbie-a-short-sci-fi-film-by-neil-harvey/
http://userpages.umbc.edu/~hoban/FLEX/CourseDocs/I-Robot-DiscussionQuestions.pdf
Book Download http://www.manyebooks.org/download/I-Robot.html
Robot teacher comic http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/english/powerpoints/roboteacher-colour.ppt
W.7.1. / Science Fiction Project –
Create a mind map to show the important elements found in a science fiction story. Produce an ad to sell Robbie.
Use persuasive techniques and a rebuttal. / Pro and Con charting
Think Pair Share
http://www.readingquest.org/strat/raft.html
SL.7.1.
RL.7.9. / Read “Harrison Bergeron” - Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Could this happen to us? / Visualize/ Use Mental Imagery
How to write the perfect short story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyQ1wEBx1V0
Vonnegut’s life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YoUh6rMduE
Harrison Bergeron http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/pros-cons-discussion-819.html
YouTube read along of Harrison Bergeron: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aAH_G5hcAg
RI.7.10
W.7.6. / Author Study
Ray Bradury
Use the smart board to find information about The Illustrated man. What is it? What does it mean?
Ray Bradbury – Read The Veldt; All Summer in a Day;
August 2026: There Will Come Soft Rains;
The Pedestrian
Look up and talk about The Illustrated Man (Read The Vedlt is the Prologue)
Writing Prompt / Questioning Levels
Active Reading
Google Read Write Think Science Fiction Author Ray Bradbury was Born
http://www.michellehenry.fr/bradbury.htm#ped
The Illustrated Man movie trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSv5ARb6sdQ
Video from The Illustrated Man “These are not Tattoos”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia7hgaOTyPw
The Pedestrian
http://m.youtube.com/?reason=8&rdm=9382#/watch?feature=related&v=-J75Xsp32iQ
The Pedestrian http://www.dukeofdefinition.com/Short_stories10.htm#softrains
The long rain http://m.youtube.com/?reason=8&rdm=3586#/watch?v=egv_mCi8uMI
The long rains http://brinkerterrifictwos.wikispaces.com/Long+Rain
Travel to Venus http://writingfix.com/Short_story_Prompts/Long_rain1.htm
Score using AR writing rubric.
RI.7.2.
RI.7.3.
RI.7.10. / Learn about Arthur C. Clarke and his predictions.
How are his predictions relevant to actual inventions? Does he have anything to do with the Internet?
Read Clarke’s short stories:
Dial F for Frankenstein; Ssuperiority; The Sentinel
Learn about Mary Shelly, the author of the book, Frankenstein
How are modern day horror stories depicted?
Connect to modern “Frankenstein Stories.” / Opinion Proof
Paired Reading
Connection
Science fiction true or false http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12758575
Google Arthur C Clarke predictions
Google Arthur C Clarke Science Fiction Turns to Fact

Cued Reading

Conclusion Support