"This is an annotated topical index to science
fiction stories and novels that use good astronomy
and is part of the education web pages of the nonprofit Astronomical Society of the Pacific.
The listing currently has 195 entries organized
into 40 categories, ranging from "anti-matter" to "Venus." It includes stories and novels by a number of scientists (some writing under a pseudonym) and by other writers who pay attention to the accuracy of their science. It is not designed as a complete index, but highlights stories that teachers have found particularly useful for making scientific ideas come alive for non-science students.
The stories and novels listed deal with such
topics as the dangers of asteroid impacts and exploding stars, the future exploration of Mars, the fate of travelers who venture close to a black hole, the search for intelligent life in the universe (and what forms it might take), and what it would be like to live among the rings and moons of the outer solar system."
Type of Material:
Reference
Recommended Uses:
Interdisciplinary science and language arts unit for middle school or high school; a science enrichment activity for middle school or high school; an assessment tool for astronomy learning in middle school, high school or undergraduate school
The list is designed to motivate teachers of astronomy and physics to use fiction and non-fiction to shore up understanding of the concepts that they teach in their classrooms.
Technical Requirements:
There are no technical requirements of note. This is a basic html page, full of links and information.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The site identifies itself as a selective list of some short stories and novels that use more or less accurate science and can be used for teaching or reinforcing astronomy or physics concepts.
In addition, these learning goals might apply:
Teachers and students will develop a deeper understanding of the science behind science fiction stories.
Teachers and students will be able to accurately identify the astronomical facts and concepts in science fiction stories.
Target Student Population:
Middle school and high school students; 5-12 school teachers; teachers of undergraduate and graduate courses in astronomy
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Teachers/users of the site will need to be prepared to search for the listed texts in libraries or online at bookstore sites. There will be some footwork and research skills needed because there are no ISBN numbers listed.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This is a comprehensive list, expertly organized, identifying the accurate science behind the stories.
Concerns:
More recent titles (within the past five years) would be useful.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Based on the assumptions of the list compiler, the act of reading stories to enhance understanding of scientific concepts is a research based, effective method. Students should be able to understand the concepts better as they reflect on the concepts in the context of the readings from the list and their own personal lives. This material can be integrated with little trouble. Lesson plans can be easily written from the material's well-written annotations. Teachers can creatively use the materials; students can independently use material as a reading list.
Concerns:
The stories will need to be previewed before educators can get the most from their use.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
This site is easy to use. It is only a list. The titles are hyperlinked in alphabetical order and should be no problem to navigate. There are no surprises during navigation. Simple site.
Concerns:
none
Other Issues and Comments:
an essential resource for science teachers grades 5-12
Creative Commons:
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