Lessons & Units :: Genre 3rd Grade Unit

Lesson 3: Science Fiction

Lesson Plan

Commander Toad and the Intergalactic Spy | 480L

Commander Toad and the Intergalactic Spy
Learning Goal
Identify the characteristics of science fiction.
Duration
Approximately 50 minutes
Necessary Materials
Provided: Direct Teaching Example Chart
Not Provided: Commander Toad and the Intergalactic Spy by Jane Yolen, chart paper, markers, science fiction books from classroom library

  • Teacher Modeling

    will explain that science fiction is a subgenre of fantasy. The defining characteristic of science fiction is the setting of the story. Science fiction stories are almost always set elsewhere than Earth or in the future. I will give examples of science fiction shows such as “Star Trek,” “Star Wars,” or “Futurama” and explain the characteristics of each show that tell me they are science fiction. For example, the story in “Star Wars” takes place in a galaxy far away, not on Earth. In “Star Trek,” the stories usually take place in space and very far in the future. Since these stories do not take place on Earth today or in the past and are not realistic in today’s world, they are science fiction. (See Direct Teaching Example Chart provided below in Teacher and Student Materials.)

    TIP: Highlight for students the difference between fantasy and science fiction. Students often struggle with this subtle distinction. Remind students that science fiction is a specific type of fantasy based on the setting of the story.

  • Think Check

    Ask: How did I know that Star Wars or Star Trek were examples of science fiction? Students should respond that the stories occur very far in the future, in space, and include technological developments.

  • Guided Practice

    will read Commander Toad and the Intergalactic Spy by Jane Yolen (any book in this series would work for this lesson) and identify the setting on pages 7–8. We will discuss how the setting makes this book a science fiction story. We will identify other aspects of the setting and characteristics of science fiction in the rest of the book. Note: This book is long, so you may choose to read only the beginning.

  • Independent Practice

    will choose a science fiction book and identify the characteristics that allow you to categorize the book as science fiction.

Build Student Vocabulary amused

Tier 2 Word: amused
Contextualize the word as it is used in the story The Commander is not amused when Mr. Hop teases him.
Explain the meaning student-friendly definition) Amuse means to make somebody laugh or smile. When you are amused, someone has made you laugh or smile. In the story, the Commander is not amused with what Mr. Hop is saying, which means that he does not find it funny.
Students repeat the word Say the word amused with me: amused.
Teacher gives examples of the word in other contexts I am amused when kids say funny or silly things. Children sometimes amuse themselves playing video games. The amusement park amused me. I laughed and smiled the entire day.
Students provide examples What is something that amuses you? Tell me about it by saying, “I am amused when ____________.”
Students repeat the word again. What word are we talking about? amused
Additional Vocabulary Words imposters, recognized

Build Student Background Knowledge

After reading Commander Toad and the Intergalactic Spy, explain that it is not so extraordinary to imagine spying from outer space. Some countries like the U.S. have satellites in outer space for military purposes. A satellite is a machine that is released by a rocket in outer space to collect data about the solar system. Spy satellites are giant telescopes that look at Earth instead of the stars. Then, they eject canisters of film to Earth, so humans can look closely at what is happening in other parts of the world.

Texts & Materials

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