Sci-fi books are rare in school even though they help kids better understand science

Science fiction can lead people to be more cautious about the potential consequences of innovations. It can help people think critically about the ethics of science. Researchers have also found that sci-fi serves as a positive influence on how people view science. Science fiction scholar Istvan Csicsery-Ronay calls this “science-fictional habits of mind.”

Scientists and engineers have reported that their childhood encounters with science fiction framed their thinking about the sciences. Thinking critically about science and technology is an important part of education in STEM – or science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Complicated content?

Despite the potential benefits of an early introduction to science fiction, my own research on science fiction for readers under age 12 has revealed that librarians and teachers in elementary schools treat science fiction as a genre that works best for certain cases, like reluctant readers or kids who like what they called “weird,” “freaky” or “funky” books.

Please help put parents in charge of their child’s education by forwarding this article to other parents, family, friends and voters.

Other Articles

California teachers fight for new contracts
Dozens of teachers unions around California, including educators in the Bay Area’s three largest cities, are uniting in their push for new contracts.
Read More
A quick guide to reading the newest California School Dashboard data
After a three-year hiatus, the California School Dashboard has been released, giving California educators and families a detailed snapshot of how the education system has been running post-pandemic.
Read More
Budget cuts are coming for San Diego Unified schools as state faces deficit and pandemic relief funds dry up
Reductions will affect staff in the district, which this year is offering $1,000 to employees who declare early their intent to retire.
Read More
Top California Teachers' Union Wants Homeless People To Sleep in Its Public School Parking Lots
Proposal comes as Fresno's public school teachers barrel toward a strike that could close classrooms
Read More
Outdated, Inaccurate Education Data in California Hamstrings Lawmakers and Public
The California Department of Education's data has been found to be outdated by years due to lack of staffing as legislators, researchers and journalists grapple with inaccurate information.
Read More
What Is Tenure for Teachers?
A policy that’s both common and controversial.
Read More
New CA Standards Humanize Teaching
California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved long-awaited revised Standards for the Teaching Profession last month that emphasize culturally responsive teaching, social-emotional learning, and family engagement.
Read More
The Teacher Shortage Is Real and about to Get Much Worse. Here's Why
Is standardized testing to blame for increased teacher stress and workforce dropout?
Read More

Get latest news delivered daily!

We will send you breaking news right to your inbox

© 2025 educationopportunity.org, Privacy Policy | FPPC #1460602