Time Travel through Sci-Fi Writer's Club

This six lesson Sci-Fi adventure invites learners to time travel through the genre, acquiring the writing skills to write an out of this world adventure of their own. 

In class samples of prominent Sci-Fi stories throughout history, deepen students' understanding of the genre. Applying the techniques, devices, and observed elements of the studied stories and authors, students will craft original pieces of Science Fiction. Using a constructive model for giving and receiving feedback, students will take turns having their writing samples workshopped. The course concludes with a celebration of student writing. 

The course schedule is as follows: 


Lesson #1: Characters and Setting with Depth 
» Students learn the characteristics of the Sci-Fi through exploring popular examples throughout the genre's history, discussing its evolution and increasing popularity.
» The class is introduced to the works of Jules Vernes and imagine and develop a Sci-Fi setting.
» After performing a close reading of Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth," students create their stories main character. 

Lesson #2: Unfortunate Timing and Foreshadowing
» Students are introduced to the life and works of H.G Wells through reading samples from "The Time Machine" and "War of the Worlds."
» Students further develop their setting, expanding beyond location to incorporate an unfortunate event.
» After listening to a sample from "The War of The Worlds," students brainstorm ways to foreshadow their story's problem.

Lesson #3: Story Mood and Classics Retold
» After learning about H.P. Lovecraft's writing and works students read from modern retellings in the works of "Lovecraft Middle School" and "R.L Stine's Goosebumps."
» Writers are invited to create their story's protagonist and further develop its problem by remixing a classic example. 
» Students are encouraged to craft a cliffhanger that'll leave their reader's in suspense! 

Lesson #4: Plot Twists in the Twilight Zone
» Students "enter the Twilight Zone" and review features of the Sci Fi genre by exploring elements used in the classic TV Series.
» Rod Serling's fifth dimension inspires students to craft an unexpected plot twist. 
» Writers are introduced to author's message and brainstorm possible morals for their stories. 

Lesson#5: Technology Take Over and Story Climax
» Students explore Greg van Eekhout's "Cog" and engage in a discussion about the theme "man vs. machine." 
» Writers create an original piece of technology for their story... will it work to worsen the problem or solve the solution?
» Students write the peaks of their story's problem a.k.a the climax. 

Lesson #6: Apocalyptic Endings
» Students perform a close reading from "The Last Kids on Earth." 
» Inspired by the end of the world theme, students draft the end of their stories, and hint at a sequel adventure.
» Students share and celebrate their work. 

This course is perfect for students with a passion for literature and writing. Additionally, fans of Sci-Fi will love exploring the inner-workings of the genre. Learning to read like a writer and write like a pro, students of all levels have their learning needs met by the naturally differentiated process of writing. This course is certain to improve writer confidence, voice, and knowledge.   

**Please note some of the featured stories are abridged retellings targeted for a 9-12 year old audience.