Cited are the experiences of the authors with a college-level course which used science fiction films to teach scientific principles. Included is a set of sample scientific concepts explored using the film "Forbidden Planet." (CW)

Illustrates how science fiction can encourage students to reflect on the interaction of science, humanism, and literature, and on how this interplay causes permutations in human thought. Suggests thematic teaching approaches based on writings dealing with ethics, biological determinism, science and society, and science and the humanities. (RDS)

Explains virtual reality as a computer-synthesized three-dimensional environment (cyberspace) in which human participants, appropriately interfaced, appear to be enveloped. Cyberspace in science fiction is discussed; contributions of aerospace and military simulation trainers, digital imaging, and motion picture special effects are described; and…

Objective: The science fiction film "Invaders From Mars" is used to teach principles of child development; clinical features of separation anxiety and nightmares; and clinical interventions, including child psychotherapy, child protective issues, and crisis management. Methods: Commercial films have been used as teaching aids in child psychiatry…

Columbus (Georgia) College's Challenge Squared program consists of three 2-week enrichment day camps for gifted students in grades 5 through 10. In past years, students have worked with an artist to create local history murals and have written and produced video plays in cooperation with a media specialist. Most recently, students were involved in…

Noting that there are signs of a relaxation in the long tension caused by the methodological "cold war" between quantitative and qualitative research proponents, this paper points to communications research as one area where the trend is developing. Placing communications studies in the framework of current public attitudes toward…

Intended for both elementary and secondary school teachers who have little or no experience in teaching creative fiction writing, this booklet presents sample lesson plans for writing short stories, fables, myths, mysteries, science fiction, and historical fiction. The lesson plans discuss such elements as plot, setting, characterization, mood,…

While folklore, fairytales, and fantasy vary in definition, they possess the common elements of supernatural beings, strange locales, and imaginative content. Folk tales, originally intended for all ages, were meant to convey lessons about moral behavior and group values; good was rewarded and evil punished. In contemporary literature, high…

Science fiction merits critical appraisal for structure, characterization, language, and stylistic elements that it shares with other prose forms. This report discusses science fiction as a subject in the language arts curriculum in the middle grades as well as in the high school. It is placed in a historical and philosophical framework that makes…

Shows how writers and publishers of young adult books are beginning to respond to the issues of nuclear war and the arms race. (EL)

Presents a humorous, fictional account of a scientist's secret addiction to a forbidden psychological stimulant: literature. Suggests that the polarization of the teaching of science and of literature has reached alarming and unhealthy proportions. (IW)

This Digest argues that a well designed course of instruction can utilize motion pictures, television, and video tapes to channel a student's enthusiasm and route it to an academically useful goal. Sections of the Digest discuss what films and television offer to educators; potential applications in language arts classrooms; some other…

Uses science fiction films such as "Jurassic Park" or "Anaconda" to teach science concepts while fostering student interest. Advocates science fiction as a teaching tool to improve learning and motivation. Describes how to use science fiction in the classroom with the sample activity Twister. (YDS)

Describes a science fiction writing project for ninth-grade physical science classes. Provides some examples of science fiction stories written by the students. Selects grammar, punctuation, science content, sentence structure, and originality as the criteria of grading. (YP)

This special issue contains 12 articles written by science fiction authors and futurists who present imaginative visions of communication technologies that impact on daily life. Topics address redefinition of the library, legal aspects of regulation and censorship of the Internet, and various ideological and intellectual ideas about technology…