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Science & Literature
Hard science fiction is a category of science fiction characterized by concern for scientific accuracy and logic. The expression “hard science fiction” was first used in print in 1957. The complementary term “soft science fiction” first appeared in the late 1970s. While neither of these expressions are fully precise, they do serve to approximate ways of characterizing stories that reviewers and commentators have found useful. (Adapted from Wikipedia).
Examples
- George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949)
- Stanislaw Lem, Solaris (1961)
- Michael Crichton, The Andromeda Strain (1969)
- Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park (1990)
- Stephen Baxter, Ring (1996)
Enrichment Assignment or Activity
As a possible extra assignment or enrichment activity, students might select a “hard science” story of interest. The reading can be conducted by the student during their after-school hours. A report could be written and submitted to the instructor – or, presented as a presentation to the class.
- Activity 17 Write a Research Paper
- Activity 18 Craft a Powerful Presentation
- Activity 19 Give a Powerful Presentation