Lesson Two: Completing a Plot Diagram about the Facts Behind Science Fiction
Lesson 4 of 6
Objective: SWBAT express the central ideas of the story and how it relates to the setting, plot, and characters.
How can science fiction be factual? This is SUCH a GREAT question that students will spend time answering with events in a plot diagram. To start today's lesson, students will list how science fiction can be true. After we share these sample answers of truths, students will review just what elements are found in science fiction to help this genre to be true.
To help students gain more understanding of the facts in science fiction, we will watch this video link. Instead of taking notes, students will listen to the information so we can hold a brief discussion of what was seen and/or heard in the clip.
As students watch the clip, I stand along the side of the room taking brief notes of facts that will be needed in their upcoming activity. These paraphrased notes include
- facts of tomorrow
- use technology to share information
- artificial intelligence
To understand dystopian literature, groups will re-read their dystopian stories (Pedestrian- and There will Come Soft Rains) and create a plot diagram as a group.The purpose of charting the conflicts in each story will allow students to move their understanding of science fiction elements throughout the entire story. As groups work, I will answer questions and clarify information for groups. To understand what could come of this section watch the reflection of groups' plot diagrams to determine if students met the goal of the lesson by completion or elaboration.