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by Lori Stewart
Topics: Reading, Writing, Science, High School
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Want to get your bookworm interested in science? Try science fiction! This genre of literature is not only great for thinking about the larger issues behind scientific progress, like technology and humanity, it makes great material for creative writing, too!

What You Need:

  • A book (or two)!
  • Computer or pen and paper

What You Do:

Step 1
Have your teen choose a science fiction book or try the classic, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card.

Step 2
Read the book together (maybe during the summer when your child has less school work, or consider choosing a sci-fi book if there is summer reading required by the school).

Step 3
Discuss! Some discussion topics relevant to Ender’s Game are:

  • What is scientifically accurate in the book? Inaccurate? For example, are the descriptions of the “no-gravity” battle rooms realistic? What about “Dr. Device”?
  • Does the story predict any future science concepts or technologies that have come true? For example, Ender’s Game was originally published in 1977, long before the Internet became widespread. The “net” is a crucial part of the story, how does it compare to today’s Internet?
  • What larger societal issues does the story address? Does the xenocide (annihilation of an alien race) of the Buggers compare to real historical and current genocides?
  • What role does religion play in the story?
  • Most teens today have plenty of experience playing video and computer games. Discuss the roll of “games” in the story and how Ender’s Game blurs the lines between games and reality.
  • How does the story treat the concept of childhood? How do the values we place on childhood today compare to the value of childhood in the story?
  • Consider the themes of good verses evil in the story. Ultimately, who is good and who is evil? Is Ender good or evil? Does the end justify the means?

Step 4
After you have identified some interesting themes and questions from your science fiction reading, it's time to get writing! Have your teen write his or her own science fiction story, keeping in mind the themes of technology and humanity that so many science fiction books explore. Here are three story prompts to get your teen started: