Using Science Fiction to Teach Science
Study Guides and References for the Science Teacher who wishes to incorporate
science fiction in the classroom
This page lists useful resources for teachers to incorporate science
fiction in unit plans and lessons to teach science.
Chemistry and Science Fiction by
Jack H. Stocker
A lively book that looks at science as filtered through literature, film, and television.
It discusses classic works in science fiction and provides an in-depth look at the
chemistry depicted in popular culture, particularly in Star Trek, Star Wars, and Doctor
Who. It includes an examination by Nebula Award winner Connie Willis of how science
fiction authors use science, and reprints two tongue-in-cheek short stories by Isaac
Asimov. The book also includes suggestions for using science fiction as an educational
resource.
Hardcover: 256 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.75 x 9.25 x 6.25
Publisher: American Chemical Society; (December 1998)
ISBN: 0841232482
List Price $24.95
No Limits: Developing Scientific Literacy Using Science Fiction
by
Julie E. Czerneda
Excellent resource for teachers, parents, and librarians. Author Julie Czerneda shows that
SF can be educational as well as entertaining.
Paperback: 128 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.33 x 10.93 x 8.33
Publisher: Trifolium Books Inc; (May 1, 1999)
ISBN: 1895579945
List price $18.95
Also has a companion book Packing
Fraction and Other Tales of Science and Imagination that contains the stories
discussed in her book "No Limits."
Science Stories: Integrating
Science and Literature, K-3
Bring science to life through 24 popular children's books at the
primary and intermediate levels. Cross-curricular activities for each book provide
theme-based units. Correlation charts are included. Grades K-3
Paperback: 130 pages
Dimensions (in inches): 0.42 x 10.80 x 8.21
Publisher: Goodyear Pub Co; (May 1994)
ISBN: 0673360830
List Price $16.95
Science & Stories: Integrating
Science and Literature: Grades 4-6
Next in the series of science classroom books by Hilarie N. Staton, for grades 4 through
6.
Paperback: 134 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.42 x 10.84 x 8.19
Publisher: Goodyear Pub Co; (June 1994)
ISBN: 0673360849
List Price $16.95
The Physics of Star Trek
by:
Lawrence M. Krauss
Book Description
What warps when you're traveling at warp speed? What's the difference between a holodeck
and a hologram? What happens when you get beamed up? What's the difference between a
wormhole and a black hole? What is antimatter, and why does the Enterprise need it? Are
time loops really possible, and can I kill my grandmother before I am born?
Discover the answers to these and many other fascinating questions from a renowned
physicist and dedicated Trekker. Featuring a section on the top ten physics bloopers and
blunders in Star Trek as selected by Nobel-Prize winning physicists and other
devout Trekkers!
"Today's science fiction is often tomorrow's science fact. The physics that
underlines Star Trek is surely worth investigating. To confine our attention to
terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit."
--From the foreword by Stephen Hawking
Author Lawrence M. Krauss is Ambrose Swasey, Professor of Physics and Professor of
Astronomy and Chairman of the Department of Physics at Case Western Reserve University. He
is also the author of two acclaimed books, Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed
and The Fifth Essence: The Search far Dark Matter in the Universe, and over 120
scientific articles. He is the recipient of several international awards for his work,
including the Presidential Investigator Award, given by President Reagan in 1986. He
lectures extensively to both lay and professional audiences and frequently appears on
radio and television.
Paperback: 208 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.47 x 7.28 x 6.54
Publisher: Perennial; (November 1996)
ISBN: 0060977108
List price $13.00
Also by Lawrence M. Krauss:
Beyond Star Trek: Physics from Alien Invasions to the
End of Time
The Computers of Star Trek
by:
Lois H. Gresh
Using
Science Fiction to Teach Science Fact: Grades 5-9
by: R.
Raham
Also of interest to the science teacher:
One-Minute Readings: Issues in Science, Technology, and Society
by Richard R. Brinckerhoff
Excellent for discussion starters in science classrooms. Has a companion book
One
Minute Readings Teachers Guide.