In this unit we will explore the science fiction genre and technology through short stories, videos, and a variety of non-fiction texts. The unit will culminate in a bonus research and writing project to answer the question – Has technology gone too far?
- We will read 4 Ray Bradbury short stories: “All Summer in a Day,” “The Veldt,” “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” and “There Will Come Soft Rains.”
- All Students will complete the Figurative Language in Pairs and Metaphor Poem assignments for “All Summer in a Day.” The other short story assignments and research project are bonus for early finishers and enrichment.
Journal Write: What is Sci-Fi?
Think-Pair-Share
One minute free write – write words and phrases you associate with science fiction.
Share your ideas with a partner
Begin to create a class definition
Let’s add to our definition using famous sci-fi movie trailers
Add to your definition of science fiction – write observations of the characteristics of sci-fi in your journal
Consider the following:
setting (time and place)
characters
conflicts
Add your ideas to the class definition
Sci-Fi Movie Trailers:
“All Summer in a Day”:
Analysis of Figurative Language in “All Summer in a Day” by Ray Bradbury
Learning Intention: To build understanding of literary elements and literary devices including sensory detail & figurative language.
Figurative Language:
- Refers to any language that uses images or language to make different kinds of comparisons.
- For this story we are going to focus on:
- Simile – A comparison of two unlike things using like or as
- Example: She made little sounds like a kitten mewing.
- Metaphor – A comparison of two unlike things, but does not use like or as
- Example: Her tears were a river flowing down her cheeks.
- Hyperbole – an exaggeration used for emphasis or humour.
- Example: There is enough food in the cupboard to feed an army.
- Personification – Attributing human characteristics to an inanimate object, animal, or abstract idea. Example: The days crept by slowly, sorrowfully.
- Simile – A comparison of two unlike things using like or as
Bonus Options:
What is your favourite quote(s) of the story? Illustrate or create a piece of art to compliment your quote(s).
Bonus IPEEPEEC paragraph:
Prompt: In the story all “Summer in a Day” by Ray Bradbury, Margot’s classmates are jealous of her because she has experienced the warmth of the sun. Write an IPEEPEEC paragraph on how the kids’ experience seeing the sun has changed them.
There Will Come Soft Rains
Sara Teasdale – 1884-1933 (War Time)
There will come soft rains and the smell of the ground,
And swallows circling with their shimmering sound;
And frogs in the pools singing at night,
And wild plum trees in tremulous white,
Robins will wear their feathery fire
Whistling their whims on a low fence-wire;
And not one will know of the war, not one
Will care at last when it is done.
Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree
If mankind perished utterly;
And Spring herself, when she woke at dawn,
Would scarcely know that we were gone.
Activity:
1. Pair Share: what is the meaning of the poem?
2. Pair x 2 Share
Compare and Contract the poem (near end of WW1 bittersweet rebirth) and story (post cold war).
“The Veldt”
LA There Will Come Soft Rains Assignment – picture assignment
all summer in a day expository example
All Summer in a Day Assignment!
12-02 Dark They Were (Part Two) 1