Dear Friends: As of Fall 2004 the Greater Phoenix Area Writing Project has been discontinued. This website will be maintained for a time on a limited basis for informational purposes and so that you are able to access the resources provided. All the best to you in your teaching. GPAWP 2003 Summer Institute Web Diary "Writing Science Fiction: Becoming a Futurist"

Erik Francis Horizon High School Scottsdale, AZ Presentation Title: "Writing Science Fiction: Becoming a Futurist" Grade Level(s): 6-12 Book(s) used: NA Other Resources: Essay: "Dial Versus Digital" by Isaac Asimov Video Clip: Back to the Future II Video Clip: Terminator 2: Judgement Day Presentation Description: Objective: The learner will demonstrate analysis of writing by expressing their ideas, thoughts, or concerns about the future in a persuasive essay. Classroom Activity: Show two film clips that portray as possible future for Earth, preferably two that are around the same time period in the future and contrast in terms of the author's vision (a good contrast is the beginning of Back to the Future II and the beginning of Terminator 2: Judgement Day). Have the students identify the characteristics of life in the future (ex. technology, urban development, transportation, clothing). Discuss the message the authors of these contrasting film clips are presenting about the future. Distinguish the difference between the utopian and post-apocalyptic future. Literature: Read the essay, "Dial Versus Digital" by Isaac Asimov. Discuss how technology has changed our lives for better and worse. Writing: Have students write in their journals a persuasive essay about their hopes and concerns for their future. They can start each paragraph with the statement, "I envision a future in which . . ." to help them begin organizing their ideas. Offer the opportunity for them to share their ideas with the class. Use the ideas expressed in the persuasive essay as the foundation for writing an original science fiction story with the theme being their hope or concern about the future. Note: If you don't see a Navigation Bar on this page, please click here, then click on GPAWP Summer Diary to get back to this page. Back to Web Diary Updated: December 8, 2005