Provides a bibliography of materials which deal with astronomy and: (1) science fiction; (2) poetry; (3) general fiction; (4) music; (5) psychology; and (6) the law. Also cites two general references on interdisciplinary approaches with astronomy topics. (JN)

This article is for teachers looking for new ways to motivate students, increase science comprehension, and understanding without using the old standard expository science textbook. This author suggests reading a science fiction novel in the science classroom as a way to engage students in learning. Using science fiction literature and language…

A course based on the science used in science fiction stories is described wherein the students read the stories and discuss the physics content. A partial list of the books read is included along with the background theme and appropriate references. (DF)

Describes an undergraduate physics course for nonscience majors which combines physics with science fiction films. Includes course format, sample module on the concept of momentum, and an appendix with a listing of science fiction films used in this course. (DS)

This book highlights an approach to develop a program using children's literature to spark student interest in science. Reviews and recommendations of children's literature contained in the book include science-focused fiction and nonfiction selections and reflect a variety of literary styles. Using the literature as a stimulus, teachers are…

Gives the outline of a mini-course which utilizes science fiction to motivate science students. (LS)

Researchers who have investigated the public understanding of science have argued that fictional cinema and television has proven to be particularly effective at blurring the distinction between fact and fiction. The rationale for this study lies in the notion that to teach science effectively, educators need to understand how popular culture…

Describes the objectives, structure, and evaluation of an upper level, limited enrollment, elective course taught by a team of a physicist, a psychologist, and a literary scholar. Reports experience with the course since first taught in the Spring of 1972. (GH)

Describes some of the advantages of including a unit on science fiction in science courses such as physics and biology. (JR)

Topic 5, Expanding Horizons of Science, asks students to question the expansion of the human element and reaction to the environmetal changes brought about by advancing technology. The story is taken from the 1954 book, Nightfall and Other Stories. (JB)

Results of a study investigating the effects of three high school courses (science fiction literature course, biology course, and English composition course) on students' (N = 55) attitudes toward science indicated that none of the courses had a measurable effect when pretest scores were compared to posttest scores. (SK)

Discusses the works by six contemporary American novelists that illustrate the current state of "physics fiction." The discussed examples of physics fiction ranged from the fluent and frequent inclusion of the casual, to the elaborate systems of physics metaphors. (GA)

Examines the physical bases for the appearance of the starfield from a moving reference frame. Concludes with a sequence of computer-generated figures to show the appearance of Earth's starfield at various velocities and that a "starbow" does not exist. (Author/GA)

Recommends using science fiction television episodes, novels, and films for teaching science and motivating students. Studies Newton's Law of Motion, principles of relativity, journey to Mars, interplanetary trajectories, artificial gravity, and Martian geology. Discusses science fiction's ability to capture student interest and the advantages of…

Enumerates five reasons for using science fiction as an aid in teaching science. Also included is a source list of materials that can be utilized. (BR)