https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk A set of science fiction themed materials en-us 2022-02-23 12:17:16 UTC 2022-04-11 20:15:52 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/1584333761/0bff1b42ccc81892693f427e3d45b8e6/133_1335221_helm_vector_space_warhammer_40k_space_marine_png.png ntsutsum https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062482523 The Scythe Trilogy is a blast of a science fiction epic, composed with unrestrained imagination but with the refined pacing and prose of a contemporary novel. The Scythe Trilogy is light enough to be an entry point to the genre but has everything it needs to be compelling for even the most advanced readers. The story takes place in a world where humanity has conquered its mortality-- but there must be death to keep the balance. A select few are delegated the responsibility of ending lives. The premise sells itself. The first book, Scythe, is an excellent whole class read for grades 8-10. The book is heavy with ethical quandaries akin to those in The Giver, more than enough to get students thinking completely authentically, but it won't push the reading levels of advanced students; although even they won't be able to put it down.

For more information see GoodReads.

[Fiction Book]
Shusterman, N. (2016). Scythe. Simon & Schuster.]]> 2022-02-23 12:28:14 UTC https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062482523 ntsutsum https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062483017 Dune is a foundational text in science fiction, not to be missed by die-hard science fiction fans. Dune is ideal for analytical students with its striking attention to detail and sweeping narrative. Paul Atreides faces down the empire that betrayed his house on the desert planet Dune; it's a battle that has galactic consequences. Far from simple escapist fiction, the Dune Saga embodies Frank Herbert's personal philosophy, layering in themes of environmentalism, economics, and political criticism that only seem to become more relevant as time goes on. However, Dune is a dense read; first-time science fiction readers may find Herbert's methodical approach to action intimidating, even irritating. I don't recommend Dune as a whole class book except for the most ambitious teachers, but it makes for a great choice book suggestion. Give it to any student you feel is in need of a challenge. In ready hands, Dune is certain to inspire. 

The GoodReads page for the Dune Saga; it has a brief synopsis of all the novels.

[Fiction Book]
Herbert, F. (1965). Dune. Chilton Books. ]]> 2022-02-23 12:28:35 UTC https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062483017 ntsutsum https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062483392 If engagement is what you need, QCode podcasts have you covered. While not a text, QCode has the stories to entice hesitant science fiction readers-- and in a more accessible format. The podcasts feature immersive soundscapes and big name actors in thrilling all audio performances. What's more, the podcasts are extended series. Have a student that struggles with basic literacy skills but needs to practice analysis? These stories are as substantial as audiobooks. Perhaps they aren't whole class material, but they can be suitable avenues for otherwise limited learners. Best of all, QCode podcasts are available for free with ads on most major listening platforms.

[Podcast Company]
QCode. (n.d.). https://qcodemedia.com/

[Specific Podcast, for example]
Asher, V. (Director). (2021-present). Electric Easy. QCode. https://qcodemedia.com/electric-easy]]> 2022-02-23 12:28:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062483392 ntsutsum https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062512378 The Jewel-Hinged Jaw is an anthology of science fiction theory and criticism essays. Per the title, analysis centers on the language that unifies science fiction, as opposed to the outlandishness of its concepts. This text is advanced. Some of its general essays could be be useful companion texts. Teachers could work through an essay with students in preparation for an upcoming science fiction unit. Analyzing diction is, after all, a lot of what we do in ELA. I recommend this anthology for grades 11 and 12. And I think it would be most at home in an honors class. Of course, it might be enlightening to any critical student willing to peruse it.

For those interested, Project MUSE has a page on the Jewel-Hinged Jaw with excerpts from a number of its essays.

[Nonfiction/Theoretical Book]
Delaney, S. (2009). The Jewel-Hinged Jaw: Notes on the Language of Science Fiction. Wesleyan University Press.]]> 2022-02-23 12:50:05 UTC https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062512378 ntsutsum https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062513838 Curious Archive is a YouTube channel that produces informational videos on different science fiction universes. The channel focuses mostly on biology, and recently a lot on scientifically-grounded speculative biology. Because of the visual nature of the medium, videos are mostly based on movies and games, but they could still be a means of introducing students to the thought process behind a lot of science fiction. It is a genre that centers on the question "what if." If that appeals to your students, you open their eyes to a massive body of literature.

If you're interested in approaching science fiction more from a government and culture perspective than a biological one, try Templin Institute instead. What Fandom is to articles, Templin Institute is to lore videos. 

[YouTube Channels]
Curious Archive. (n.d.). [Channel]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/c/curiousarchive

Templin Institute. (n.d.). [Channel]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTemplinInstitute]]> 2022-02-23 12:51:03 UTC https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062513838 ntsutsum https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062522237 Analog Science Fiction and Fact is a well-established magazine featuring bold new stories and poetry. Teachers looking for a manageable entry point to the genre should consider a subscription to the magazine. Short stories make good companion or introductory texts as well as short units. Alternatively, the magazine could be an avenue for students to explore science fiction on their own. It would be very accessible through a teacher's backlog of issues.

The website, linked above, has samples of the works in the magazine, including extended short story excerpts and full poems.

[Magazine]
Editor, Quachri, T. (n.d.). Analog Science Fiction and Fact. ]]> 2022-02-23 12:57:05 UTC https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062522237 ntsutsum https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062544079 This article is about the unique impact of climate fiction, a subgenre of science fiction. But I believe its point extends to science fiction and fiction overall. Stories have a way touching minds that statistics and statements from people with fancy titles will never match. This article would be a good introduction to a science fiction unit or to an activist text. It's certain to add authenticity to the lesson in any case, potentially opening students to a knew perspective and providing them with a chance to connect to the text ahead.

[Magazine Article]
Funk, A. (2021, May 14). Can Climate Fiction Writers Reach People in Ways That Scientists Can't?. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/can-climate-fiction-writers-reach-people-ways-scientists-cant-180977714/]]> 2022-02-23 13:11:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062544079 ntsutsum https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062592265 Fandom.com is the leading wiki platform for everything in nerd-dom, science fiction and beyond. Star Wars, Scythe, Dune, Lord of the Rings, you name it, Fandom has articles that compile the lore for key figures and events. If you've ever been down a Wikipedia rabbit hole, you'll understand. This site will take students on the same curiosity trips in their favorite franchises and in brand new ones. Use it as a companion resource for your science fiction or fantasy unit. Send students in on an article of your choice and cut them loose; they'll be clicking through hyperlinks in no time. Fandom is an ideal way to give students a taste of the universes in their choice books. Don't underestimate it as a means for hitting the ground running with complicated sci-fi worlds.

[Website]
Fandom Writers (n.d.). Fandom.com. https://www.fandom.com/]]> 2022-02-23 13:40:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2062592265 ntsutsum https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2069361359 Despite its richness and sheer variety, I rarely see science fiction explored in ELA. Even the Dune series with its literary weight, its echoing legacy, was never mentioned in any of my high school classrooms. So I put together a set of resources any teacher can use to engage a full range of students. 

The question, I think, that unites all these texts is:
What is the power of science fiction?

I have included the format of each resource in brackets at the end of every annotation for easy identification. ]]> 2022-02-28 12:28:38 UTC https://padlet.com/ntsutsum/z16q8xnw84z9rfsk/wish/2069361359