Science fiction is a genre of fiction in which the stories often tell about science and technology of the future.

It is important to note that science fiction has a relationship with the principles of sciencethese stories involve partially true-partially fictitious laws or theories of science. It should not be completely unbelievable, because it then ventures into the genre fantasy. The plot creates situations different from those of both the present day and the known past. Science fiction texts also include a human element, explaining what effect new discoveries, happenings and scientific developments will have on us in the future. Science fiction texts are often set in the future, in space, on a different world, or in a different universe or dimension. Task: Compile your findings in a report which discusses the nature and purposes of science fiction. Include an assessment of what you consider to be desirable in a work of this genre. You will need to support your comments with reference to the novel/s you have read. You are required to read 1 science fiction novel and construct responses to the following to form your report. Presentation: A website, an eBook, a series of 3-4 blogs, an iMovie, or as a broadcast using GarageBand.

Before you begin reading research the following: Notes: What is science fiction?

When did it first emerge as a literary form/ genre? Why do you think it is a popular form of fiction today? What purpose does it have? Does it set out to entertain? Or is there a more serious purpose behind it? Are there different kinds of science fiction?

Now read 1-2 science fiction novels and make brief notes on the following: Notes: What is the plot? Who are the main characters? What do you think the purpose of the text is? What are some of the themes evident in the text? What kind of science fiction is the text?

Consider the following questions: Notes: When was the novel written? What was happening in the world when the novel was written?

Do you think the novel is particularly imaginative or inventive? Is the novel meant purely for entertainment or does it have a more serious purpose? Identify elements from the novel that demonstrate that it comes from the genre of science fiction.

Suggested Texts: Author Douglas Adams Frank Herbert George Orwell Aldous Huxley Mary Shelley Arthur C. Clarke Jules Verne Text Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Dune series 1984 Brave New World Frankenstein 2001: A Space Odyssey - Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea - Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Around the World in Eighty Days - From the Earth to the Moon - War of the Worlds - The Time Machine - The Island of Doctor Moreau - The Invisible Man I Am Number Four Any Star Wars novel Any Star Trek novel - Foundation series - Galactic Empire series

H.G. Wells

Pittacus Lore Various authors Various authors Isaac Asimov

K.A. Applegate

Edgar Rice Burroughs Suzanne Collins Lee Harding

Diana Wynne Jones H.P. Lovecraft John Wyndham

- Robot series - Animorphs series - Remnants series - Everworld series - John Carter books - The Barsoom novels The Underland Chronicles - Fallen - Spaceman - Displaced Persons Chronicles of Chrestomania (Harry Potter is often compared to these novels) The Day of the Triffids