From Science Fiction To Science Fact

Publisher description

Compares what writers over the centuries have written about an imaginary future with the reality revealed by time.

The literature of science fiction packs up the facts and discoveries of science and runs off to futures filled with both wonders and warnings. Kids love to take the journeys it offers for the thrill of the ride, but they can learn as they travel, too. This book will provide you with: an overview of the past 500 years of scientific thought and the literature of science fiction which it inspired; suggestions for finding and adapting the kind of science fiction that will work best for your classroom; detailed ideas and resources for teaching concepts in the physical, earth, space, and life sciences, as well in history and mathematics; and suggested activities for a variety of grade levels. Appendices provide: science references to help you keep the facts and the fictions straight; national science content standards; and detailed lesson plans for an earth science unit where students travel the depths of time and create their own time travelers' diaries.

Science Fiction, Science Fact! Ages 8–12 is a book for story-loving primary teachers who want to find a creative way to teach science. Contextualising science in a story that pupils know and love, the book contains a wide range of activities and investigations to help Key Stage 2 pupils engage in science learning, while also extending aspects of the English national curriculum. The book offers valuable support to busy teachers and, by ensuring science lessons are enjoyable and accessible for pupils, helps children get involved in investigations in a way that is memorable for them. Using coloured illustrations and diagrams throughout, the book contains: the relevant scientific context alongside a link to one of nine exciting children’s stories clever and unique suggestions to ‘storify the science’ instructions for teachers to give to their pupils tips on how to deliver the lesson in an immersive way guidance on assessing pupils’ level of understanding Science Fiction, Science Fact! Ages 8–12 is packed full of ideas for weaving science into cross-curricular lessons, and is an invigorating and essential resource for Key Stage 2 teachers and science co-ordinators seeking to inject some creativity into their science lessons.

A selection of Kotler's previously published writings, updated, on pivotal and controversial advances in science and technology.--

Over five decades, Star Trek's celebration of mankind's technical achievements and positive view of the future have earned it an enduring place in our global culture. Its scientific vision has also had a profound effect on the past thirty years of technological breakthroughs. Join William Shatner, the original captain of the Starship Enterprise, as he reveals how Star Trek has influenced and inspired some of our greatest scientific minds -- the people behind the future we will all share. In interviews with dozens of scientists we learn about the inventions that will revolutionise our lives and the discoveries that will make it truly possible to explore the last great frontier -- space. As one Nobel Laureate commented on being shown a wood and plastic model of the engine core from a Star Trek: The Next Generation starship: "I'm working on that." From the technicalities of warp speed to real-life replicators to the likelihood of our being able to beam across continents, this always-informative book takes us on a fascinating and eye-opening voyage to the realms of the possible and probable.