Why is science fiction important? It is the one literature that deals with the basic truth about today’s world: It will change. Students introduced to science fiction are better prepared to cope with change and to make good decisions about the future. Science and technology will shape that future, but they will struggle against prejudice, ancient hatreds, and the unequal distribution of the world’s wealth. As H.G. Wells said a century ago, "The world is in a race between education and catastrophe." Science fiction is the way humanity considers a changed future before it arrives.

--James Gunn

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In the Spotlight at SFM: Our First Annual Youth Art and Writing Contest

SFM is happy to announce its first annual arts contest for aspiring young artists and writers. This contest provides an opportunity for students to have their work evaluated by professionals in the field and be recognized for their talent. The top candidates from each category will be exhibited at Norwescon 28, the annual Northwest Regional Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention held at the DoubleTree SeaTac Hotel on March 25th. Students will be judged by professional artist Michael Whelan, who most recently painted the book jacket illustrations for Stephen King's Dark Tower series; and by multi-award winning author Michael Bishop, who is the Norwescon Guest of Honor. The top ten art entries will be exhibited at the Art Show all weekend, and a portion of the winning fiction entry will be read at Norwescon. Winners will receive their awards at the prestigious Philip K. Dick Award ceremony at 7 PM on March 25th at the convention.

Click here for official rules and entry forms »

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What is Science Fiction?

Science fiction predicts change, explores consequences, and studies potential futures. It teaches adaptability and open mindedness in the face of change. It performs "imaginary experiments" to see how people react to change before the change actually happens, and provides a different perspective on our world. Science fiction writers see the future as a consequence of our present day. In this light, it is also a vehicle for social analysis and an opportunity to experiment with new concepts and their effects on humanity and the world. Science fiction presents many issues from many different points of view for us to examine.

Teaching science fiction through books, stories, movies, interactive media and art engages learners on a number of levels. Science fiction can provide a starting point for a multi-disciplinary curriculum that investigates issues, explores the natural world, and teaches critical thinking skills. Good science fiction introduces themes of personal integrity, relationships (human and alien), acceptance of other life forms and cultures, and our responsibility for technological change. It is entertaining, but it also presents ideas and alternatives.