Our next book will be a science fiction or fantasy selection. Please take notes on the following

information (it will show up later on a test or quiz).

Science Fiction

• A genre of fiction where the stories often tell about science and technology of the future.

• Involves some true and some partially fictitious laws or theories of science.

.

Science Fiction

• Includes a human element.

• Explains what effect new discoveries, happenings, and scientific developments will have on us in the future.

Setting for Science Fiction Often set in the future, in space, on a different world, or in

a different universe or dimension.

Fantasy• If the story is unbelievable it moves into the

genre of fantasy.

“Jill Wants Sunglasses”

• Looking at the title, what do you think the story may be about?

“Jill Wants Sunglasses”• You may work on your own or

with a partner. Answer the following questions on your own sheet of paper.

1) Describe an element of science fiction that was in the story.

2) Do you think the situation in this story could ever happen? Why or why not?

3) What are some current issues in our world today that are relevant to this story?

“Sound of Thunder”• Please get a copy of the story and questions from

the chair.• You may read with someONE else, but each of

you need to complete an answer sheet. • When you are done, return both to the chair and

silent read or free write.

The Martian ChroniclesRay Bradbury

The Martian Chronicles

• Written in 1946 by Ray Bradbury.

• Earth is on the verge of extinction. To survive, mankind must find a place to live. Three expeditions to Mars find it suitable for relocation. Shiploads of humans arrive bringing the old evils of earth with them.

YLLAAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.1. Describe the Martian household.2. What was YLLA’s dream?3. What happened to Nathaniel

York?4. 4. What is your opinion of

Ylla’s husband?5. “That song. That fine and

beautiful song… I’ve forgotten it. And somehow, I don’t want to forget it. It’s something I want to always remember.” (13-14)

Explain the context (what is happening) of this quote.Why is it important to the story?

Earth MenAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.

1. How do Martians communicate?

2. Why do Martians wear masks?

3. What happened to Nathaniel York?

4. How did the Earth Men feel about their greetings from the Martians?

5. “What happened to Mr. XXX.

The Third ExpeditionAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.1. What was the

explanation the Earthlings had for “Ohio”?

2. Why did the 3rd Expedition land on this side of Mars?

3. What was the Martian plan?

4. What happened to the 3rd Expedition?

And the Moon Still Be as BrightAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.

• What annihilated the Martians?

• Who was Spender and what was he upset about?

• How did Spender characterize Martian civilization?

• What was Spender’s last request?

Night MeetingAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.1. Why did Pop comes to

Mars?2. What does Pop mean

by “If you can’t take Mars for what she is, you might as well go back to Earth.” (79)

3. What is meant by “His weapon had always been his smile.” (81)

4. Who was from the past, who from the future?

Usher IIAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.1. Why was Stendahl

building the house on Mars?

2. Who was the party for and why?

3. Who are the Pikes?

4. “Ignorance is fatal, Mr. Garret.” (117)

Explain the meaning of this quote.

The MartianAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.1. Who was Tom actually?

2. Why did the La Farges readily accept him?

3. Why didn’t Tom want to go into town?

4. What is meant by, “You don’t question providence. If you can’t have reality, the dream is just as good.” (127)

The Off SeasonAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.1. What was Sam

Parkhill’s plans for the future?

2. Where is Captain Wilder?

3. What did the Martians want to give to Parkhill? Why?

4. What did Sam’s wife mean by “Off Season”?

The Silent TownsAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.

• Why did people go back to Earth from Mars?

• Why did Walter assume it was a woman calling?

• What did Walter think of Genevieve?

There Will Come Soft RainsAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.1. Name three inventions

in the automated house.

2. What happened to the inhabitant?

3. What was prophetic about Sara Teasdale’s poem?

4. What was the point of the story?

The Million Year PicnicAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.

• How did the family get to Mars?• Why did Dad blow up the rocket?• What was evening fire symbolic of?• Who were the Martians?

The Million Year PicnicAnswer the following questions on your own

sheet of paper.

• How did the family get to Mars?• Why did Dad blow up the rocket?• What was evening fire symbolic of?• Who were the Martians?

The Fog HornRay Bradbury

Please get a story from the front of the room.

Work on your own or with a partner to answer the following questions in

complete sentences on your own sheet of paper.

1. Why does the monster destroy the lighthouse?

2. A quest is a long, perilous journey undertaken to win something of great value. How could this be seen as a quest story? Explain.

3. What do you think is Mr. Bradbury’s message to the reader? Why?

Zooby Edward Hoch

Please get a story from the front of the room.

DO NOT write on the story.

1. What clue occurs in the 1st paragraph that let’s the reader know the story is science fiction?

2. What do you learn when you hear the horse-spiders speak?

3. With which statement would the author most likely agree?a. Strange creatures should be kept in cages.b. It is easy to make money from unsuspecting people.c. Even in the future, people will allow their fears to rule them.d. Though people may look different, they are basically the same.

Answer the following questions on your own sheet

of paper in complete sentences.1. What are the penalties for disobeying

instructions?2. What does the man behind the desk tell

Eckels happened last year that makes Eckels think about not going on the safari?

3. What is the antigravity metal path and why must the men stay on it?

4. How does the reader know Eckels is afraid?

5. What does Eckels find on the bottom of his boots?

6. What is the reader to infer that Travis does to Eckels?

Please get a copy of “The Fun They Had” from the front of the room.

• Read the story (please don’t write on it) and answer the 4 questions at the end in complete sentences on your own sheet of paper.

• Turn both in to the chair at the front.

• Work on your reading, vocabulary, and/or questions.