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Schedule for AboutSF's Teaching Science Fiction: A Portable Workshop
Thursday, August 7, 2008 at Worldcon - Sheraton Hotel, Denver, CO

9:00 to 10:00 - Why Should I Teach Science Fiction?

  • Jim Van Pelt's introduction.
  • A PowerPoint overview of science fiction's importance, including film clips from authors discussing the value of science fiction.
  • "The World View of Science Fiction," an essay by James Gunn.

    10:00 to 11:00 - What Science Fiction Should I Teach?
    with Nate Williams

  • Film clips from Isaac Asimov and Damon Knight on the history of SF to 1970.
  • Film clips from Forest Ackerman on early SF films.
  • A PowerPoint overview of key SF novels, authors, and films.
  • An overview of the complete lessons from the University of Kansas' online SF course.
  • Sample texts for using SF in subjects like foreign languages, physics, and mathematics.
  • Discussion of handouts containing James Gunn's "Basic Science Fiction Library" and Hugo, Nebula and Campbell award winners.

    11:00 to 11:30 - Special Appearance by Lois McMaster Bujold

    11:30 to 12:00 - How Do I Teach Science Fiction (part 1)?
    with Nate Williams

  • A sample syllabus for a high school course in SF.
  • A curriculum matrix handout, adaptable for different state and local standards.
  • An example of a successful proposal for an SF course that has been approved by a high school administration.

    Noon to 1:30 - Lunch and a Trip to the Convention

    1:30 to 2:30 - How Do I Teach Science Fiction (part 2)?
    with Jim Van Pelt

  • Methods for teaching science fiction in high school.
  • Sample Handouts used to facilitate discussion and critical thinking.
  • A unit on SF novels and films.

    2:30 to 3:30 - Accelerated Reading Tests and Middle School Texts
    with Lindalee Stuckey

  • Demonstrations of Accelerated Reading Tests, including many Heinlein young adult novels.
  • Recommendations for middle school texts.

    3:30 to 4:30 - Resources for Young Adults and Libraries
    with Diana Tixier Herald, Susan Fichtelberg, and Bonnie Kunzel

  • A "What's New" presentation of recent Young Adult books.
  • An annotated list of series and key texts for librarians and teachers.

    4:30 to 5:00 - Online Resources

  • A presentation of sample online reader's guides.
  • A demonstration of how to schedule an author or guest speaker visit via AboutSF.com.
  • Sample SF teaching websites.

    • Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Science Fiction. © 2006.