Stellar Science Lessons

Clifford Simak's short story about the crash landing of an alien life form is an excellent resource to illustrate characteristics of life (as we know it). Compelling, sweet and sad, this story will engage middle school children and encourage them to identify the characteristics of the creatures that tag them as "alive." Story can be found in Simak's collected works (Over the River and Through the Woods) and other internet sites, including Google Books.

Using relative density information, students determine the behaviors of different materials during an oil spill.

Brin is one of the premier current hard science fiction writers. The story is sophisticated and challenging, touching on many of the controversial elements of virology. After reading the story and researching viruses, students will be able to identify and classify the virology of the disease in this chilling and prophetic story.