Reports the results of a two year survey of 300 teachers in four Southeastern states who taught some form of science fiction in their classroom instruction. The survey considered (1) disciplinary areas utilizing science fiction and the basic purposes for using it; (2) basic themes of science fiction; and (3) teachers' comments about science…

Proposes that science fiction novels contribute to study of political science, and discusses specific novels and their application to political science. (ND)

Presents activities dealing with components of literature, literary devices, and persuasive material. (DD)

The use of science fiction in the classroom to clarify environmental or ecological values is discussed in this article. Science fiction was chosen due to its universal appeal and application. Students read and analyzed a story and were then required to take a position and to defend it. (MA)

Science fiction provides three major areas for providing an innovative technique for teaching social sciences: 1) concern with the future; 2) flexibility in dealing with ideas: and 3) interest and readability. A selected bibliography provides resources which correspond to topical concerns of social studies. (Author/JR)

An undergraduate "Anthropology Through Science Fiction" honors course is described. Participation in the course was by invitation only and included both anthropology and non-anthropology majors. By using science fiction, non-anthropology students quickly became familiar with weekly topics and anthropology majors found the readings a new way to…

College teachers of history can use science fiction to help students understand historical concepts. A seminar at the University of Tulsa used futuristic literature to provide a broader perspective on the present and the past. Available from: Loren E. Pennington, Division of Social Sciences, Emporia State University, 1200 Commercial, Emporia,…

Historical concepts can be taught through analysis of science fiction. Offers a class outline with science fiction resources to examine the boundaries of historical inquiry; six themes for student investigation based on specific resources; and a bibliography of 44 additional anthologies and books. (AV)

Describes the use of science fiction in teaching about the effects of science and technology on human interaction. Questins appropriate for social studies class discussion and tips to teachers on preparing science fiction stories are included. (Author/DB)

Describes how Bradbury's work can be used in the classroom. Indicates how attitudes towards technology can be found in the work and how these may be used to stimulate mature students. (CRH)

According to renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, "science fiction is useful both for stimulating the imagination and for diffusing fear of the future." Indeed, several studies suggest that using science fiction movies as a teaching aid can improve both motivation and achievement. However, if a movie's plot crosses the line between good…

Using supernatural events as motivation, suggests activities for discussion, story telling, and writing. (TO)

Science fiction is a good teaching tool for elementary students because it stimulates the imagination and prepares children for the idea that the world will be different when they grow up. The article presents a science fiction unit, recommending books and activities about aliens, the future, and time travel. (SM)

The articles in this focused issue draw attention to works of contemporary literature with classroom potential. Four articles suggest new approaches for the reading and teaching of such established writers as Robert Frost; Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.; Eudora Welty; and Saul Bellow. Two other articles examine the bestsellers "Ordinary People" and "The Color…

Focused on teaching by theme, the articles in this issue of the "Virginia English Bulletin," an NCTE affiliate journal, include "Theme-type Units: Background and Basis"; "Casting Shadows," which discusses science fiction; "War, Literature, and Kids: Blood Relations"; "Ethnic Heritage Studies for the…