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science fiction

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

February 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s explore some new and classic science fiction books for 4th graders that both boys and girls will love. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum.

Science fiction for kids is a genre of literature that explores themes of science, technology, and the future in a way that is engaging for young readers. 

Science fiction books for kids often feature elements such as space travel, time travel, alien encounters, and futuristic technology.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

These books can be a great way to spark a child’s imagination.

Too, it can get them interested in science and technology when they might not otherwise be while improving reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

Check out this list of 10 of the best science fiction books for 4th graders.

And I will even throw in some hands-on ideas for multi-sensory learning and fun.

I have a tutorial for a paper plate Millenium Falcon.

You do know it did the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs right?

From robots to time travel and alien invasions, there is something fun for everyone here.

IDEAS TO GO WITH SCIENCE FICTION BOOKS FOR 4TH GRADERS

First, check out these hands-on ideas.

This is a list of Science Fiction books for middle schoolers but you will also find a simple How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book.

Wow look at this robot kit that comes with everything your child needs to build and learn code to program their own robot.

Since Star Wars is a great topic for today’s theme here you can Make Cool Star Wars Soap and 15 Star Wars DIY Projects.

I just love this Wild Robot Mini Unit, we enjoyed these books so much, even as an adult I thought it was a wonderful story.

Let your child grab their favorite super hero figure and try this physics experiment Hands-On Super Hero Gravity for Kids.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Too, look at this post The Best Fourth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations for more fourth grade ideas.

Next, look at how to make this paper plate Millenium Falcon.

PAPER PLATE MILLENIUM FALCON

You will need:

  • 3 paper plates
  • Grey craft paint
  • Markers
  • Paintbrush
  • Glue stick
  • Tissue paper or paper towels
  • Scissors
Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

First, paint the convex side of 3 paper plates grey, or you can leave them white and just brush some grey on to rough up the exterior of the Falcon. Set aside to dry.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Once the paint is dry you are going to take the second plate and draw some of the distinctive features of the Millenium Falcon on it like the cockpit, the forward mandibles, and concussion-missile tubes 

This fandom site has some great inspiration photos including a schematic of the ship or you can just use one of your own models.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Cut the drawings out of the paper plate.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Glue each piece into place on the plate.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Use markers to draw more details on the ship, it is mostly a dirty grey, some red, blue, a little black, and silvery colors for the most part.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Place tissue paper or paper towels in the center of the 3rd plate, making sure it stays inside the inner part of the plate

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Glue the top portion that you decorated on top of this one.

Hot glue dries the fastest but you can use whatever type of tacky glue you like.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Finally, look at these science fiction books for 4th graders.

SCIENCE FICTION BOOKS FOR 4TH GRADERS

Science Fiction Books For 4th Graders

Add these books to your reading day or to a unit study to learn science fiction.

The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

A robot named Roz opens her eyes for the first time on a remote, wild island and must learn to survive and navigate the world around her.

The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner

Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic. Designated birth mothers produce new children, who are assigned to appropriate family units. Citizens are assigned their partners and their jobs. No one thinks to ask questions. Everyone obeys. Everyone is the same. Except Jonas.

Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. Gradually Jonas learns that power lies in feelings. But when his own power is put to the test—when he must try to save someone he loves—he may not be ready. Is it too soon? Or too late?

Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the provocative story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs.

Star Wars Jedi Academy Series 7 Books Collection

Series: Star Wars Jedi Academy 7 paperback books - Star Wars Jedi Academy: Jedi Academy, Return of the Padawan, The Phantom Bully, A New Class, The Force Oversleeps, Revenge of the Sis, and The Principal Strikes BackSummary: This set includes all seven books from the NY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES Star Wars: Jedi Academy. Created by award-winning author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown, this series is a hit for readers of all ages. Whether you're familiar with Star Wars or if you're new to the galaxy, this heartfelt and hilarious adventure follows middle grader Roan as he navigates being a Jedi and dealing with bullies, aliens, robots, and even school dances.At Jedi Academy, students learn how to design droids, fight with a lightsaber, and use the Force!

Time Travel Inn (Choose Your Own Adventure)

Acclaimed children's humor author Bart King takes readers ages 8-12 on an interactive science fiction mystery adventure. Battle gladiators and escape from dinosaurs in this funny romp through time and space.

Your adventurous Grandmother Dolores makes you and your family the unlikely stewards of her Time Travel Inn in rural Wisconsin. You move from Florida to Wisconsin with hopes of investigating more about the inn, and your grandmother’s disappearance, but quickly learn the inn is an epicenter for time travel research gone awry.

Choose Your Own Adventure is the bestselling gamebook series of all time. Empowering generations of children through choice, it is widely commended for its appeal to reluctant readers.

Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor

In Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor, an uneventful experiment in Frank's garage/lab, a lightning storm, and a flash of electricity bring his inventions—the robots Klink and Klank—to life!Not exactly the ideal lab partners, the wisecracking Klink and the overly expressive Klank nonetheless help Frank attempt to perfect his inventions . . . until Frank’s archnemesis, T. Edison, steals Klink and Klank for his evil doomsday plan.Integrating real science facts with wacky humor, a silly cast of characters, and science fiction, this uniquely engaging series is an irresistible chemical reaction for middle grade readers. With easy-to-read language and graphic illustrations on almost every page, this chapter book series is a must for reluctant readers.The Frank Einstein series encourages middle grade readers to question the way things work and to discover how they, too, can experiment with science. In a starred review, Kirkus raves, “This buoyant, tongue-in-cheek celebration of the impulse to ‘keep asking questions and finding your own answers’ fires on all cylinders," while Publishers Weekly says that the series “proves that science can be as fun as it is important and useful.”

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot

Meet Ricky Ricotta, a little mouse with a big problem!Ricky Ricotta lives in Squeakyville with his mom and dad. Ricky has a hard time making friends at school, and the neighborhood bullies are always picking on him. If only Ricky could find someone to be his best buddy and keep those creepy bullies away!Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a mad scientist named Dr. Stinky McNasty has created a Mighty Robot who is as gentle as he is powerful. Dr. Stinky plans to make the Robot destroy Squeakyville, but there's one little thing in his way: Ricky Ricotta! When Ricky rescues the Robot, an unlikely friendship begins. And Ricky discovers that a little mouse can be a BIG hero -- with some help from his new best friend!

Menace from the Deep

Emmet moves to Florida with his biologist father to investigate a strange, genetically engineered animal found dead in the Everglades, a creature that is the first of a new breed of man-made, apex predator that is about to be turned loose.

Space Case (Moon Base Alpha)

Like his fellow lunarnauts—otherwise known as Moonies—living on Moon Base Alpha, twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is famous the world over for being one of the first humans to live on the moon.And he’s bored out of his mind. Kids aren’t allowed on the lunar surface, meaning they’re trapped inside the tiny moon base with next to nothing to occupy their time—and the only other kid Dash’s age spends all his time hooked into virtual reality games.Then Moon Base Alpha’s top scientist turns up dead. Dash senses there’s foul play afoot, but no one believes him. Everyone agrees Dr. Holtz went onto the lunar surface without his helmet properly affixed, simple as that. But Dr. Holtz was on the verge of an important new discovery, Dash finds out, and it’s a secret that could change everything for the Moonies—a secret someone just might kill to keep...

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Book Lists Tagged With: 4th grade, book lists, books, science, science fiction

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

April 5, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There was a menagerie of animals in The Swiss Family Robinson book, making it a great topic for a zoology study. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my post Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study.

The Robinsons used many items to help them survive, the least of which is the animals they brought from the wrecked ship.

And they used animals found on the island.

For example, they were used for meat, milk, companionship, and to lighten the workload.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

The land where the Robinsons ended up was thought to have been the East Indies which back at that time, in 1812, would have been the region of Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and New Guinea.

No doubt it is a very diverse location for flora and fauna.

They were surrounded by exotic creatures they had never seen and only some read about.

One of the creatures on the island that the Robinsons turned into a pet was a parrot. In honor of that parrot, we are going to create an adorable no sew felt version of our own.

Parrots are incredibly smart creatures, who also live long lives, especially in captivity.

You can use this felt parrot craft as part of your Swiss Family Robinson animal study, with a pirate unit, or a tropical bird unit.

More The Swiss Family Robinson Activities

  • Where Did Swiss Family Robinson Land And Their Unique Homes | Cave Activity
  • From Switzerland to the Author of Swiss Family Robinson Quick Study
  • How to Create Swiss Family Treehouse Blueprints With Kids
  • What is the Swiss Family Robinson About | Simple Jeopardy Style Game
  • How to Make Adorable Swiss Family Robinson Book Characters Bookmarks
  • Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl
  • The Swiss Family Robinson Fun and Easy Movie Night Ideas
  • Embrace Island Life: How To Eat A Coconut Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft
  • Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse
  • Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book
  • How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography
  • DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas
  • Simple Candle
  • Hunting Deer
  • How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids

Books for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson

Next, add some of these books and resources to your unit study.

8 Books & Resources for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson

Add some of these books to your unit study of The Swiss Family Robinson and their adventures on a deserted island.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.
Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Tracks, Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides)

Become a nature detective with this illustrative, engaging and fun Take-Along-Guide. You may not know where to look, or what to look for, but animal signs are everywhere and this guide will help you learn how to read them. You'll learn how to spot and identify common clues that 17 wildlife species leave behind in the woods, in the fields and along ponds.

Swiss Family Robinson Movie

The heroic tale of the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a "civilized" community.

Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set: Titles In This Set: The Blizzard Challenge The Desert Challenge The Jungle Challenge The Sea Challenge The River Challenge The Earthquake Challenge The Volcano Challenge The Safari Challenge The Cave Challenge The Mountain Challenge The Arctic Challenge The Sailing Challenge

Knot Tying Kit | Pro-Knot Best Rope Knot Cards, two practice cords and a carabiner

By Pro-Knot, the number one trusted name in Knots with over 7,000 5 Star reviews! This complete knot tying KIT includes everything you need to learn and practice how to tie 23 essential rope knots. The six card/twelve page waterproof plastic card set contains 23 best all purpose rope knots
clearly illustrated and described, bound together with a no-rust brass grommet in the corner!

Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America: More than 150 Delicious Recipes Using Nature's Edibles

Edible wild plants are nature’s natural food source, growing along roadsides, sprouting in backyards, and blooming in country fields. North America’s diverse geography overflows with edible plant species.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book

Also, here are some of the animals mentioned in the classic story that you could use to springboard a science lesson from a literature study.

Moreover, you can have your child write about, paint, make out of LEGO, make a minecraft collection of exotic animals, make one from playdough and learn a few facts, or even create our fun felt parrot below.

  • Jackal
  • Buffalo
  • Ostrich
  • Monkey – Look at my post Preschool Fun Monkey Study
  • Peccaries
  • Muskrat
  • Lions – 6 Facts About Mountain Lions and How to Make a Fun Mountain Lion Diorama
  • Bears – Daniel Boone Explorer Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop
  • Hippo
  • Condor
  • Flamingos – Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial
  • Onager
  • Cuscus
  • Eagle – Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft
  • Parrot
  • Lobster
  • Kangaroo
  • Green Iguana – 10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana
  • Oceanic White tip Shark
  • Capybara
  • Civet Cat
Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Additionally, here are more learning about parrot resources.

Parrot Resources

Our felt parrot craft is the easily identifiable and popular Scarlet Maw.

And so that you know, macaws are parrots, but not all parrots are macaws.

The Scarlet Macaw are the largest parrots in the world and can reach up to 33” from beak to tail.

  • You can use this gorgeous collection of birds to create a diorama, create a tropical sensory bin, as models for drawing and painting or just for dramatic play.
  • Littles will enjoy these Macaw and Toucan Paper Plate Crafts.
  • If you want to dive deeper into parrots grab a wonderful book to support your literature unit like About Parrots: A Guide for Children.
  • For middle and highschool you could include the challenge of building a Parrot LEGO set.
Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Finally, look at how to make this easy parrot craft.

How to Make an Easy Parrot Craft With Kids

You will need:

  • Red, green, blue, yellow, black felt
  • Cotton stuffing.
  • Hot glue
  • Scissors
  • Pinking shears
  • Googly eyes
Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

First, use a pencil to trace a large circle for your parrot’s head and then a leaf shape overlapping the head for the body of the parrot.

You can make it as large or as small as you like but if you make it too small it’s difficult to stuff with the wider hot glue seam.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Lay it over a second felt sheet and cut out the body shape twice.

Easy Parrot Craft

Run hot glue along the edge of one piece all the way around except the head and press the second piece into it firmly, allowing it to cool and harden.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Stuff the body with cotton, using a pencil to push it all the way in and fill it out.

Glue the head all the way around except for about 1” where you would like the beak to be and fill the head with more cotton stuffing the same way.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Glue and pinch the final opening closed.

Draw and cut out a pair of eyes-white and smaller black circles, as well as 2 beak halves.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Glue the two halves of the beak together over the edge of the parrot’s face, you can use them to cover up your final seam.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Glue the eyes into place, layering black circles over white.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

To create wings, stack the colors you would like to use and cut them into a rectangle the width and length of the parrot’s body.

Stack and spread them out vertically so that a little of each color shows at the bottom. Repeat with a second stack.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Now use pinking shears to round them and give them a bit more featherlike shape.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Do the same technique to create the tail but make it narrower, stack colors so that you can see all and use pinking shears to trim and round the edges.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Glue and pinch over the back end. Be sure to glue every layer together one by one.

He is a cutie, isn’t he?

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: birds, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, parrot, science, science fiction, Swiss Family Robinson

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

January 27, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making a fun time travel craft inspired by the Time Machine book. Also, look at this post 11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers for more ideas.

Time travel has long been the topic of science fiction stories. 

Authors like HG Wells imagine a world where we can cross time and space, going into the past as well as the future.

The Time Machine is a science fiction work written by HG Wells and was published in 1895.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Inspired by H.G. Wells’s book The Time Machine we created a craft that let us imagine a taste of time travel.

While time travel may still not be possible for us in this day and age, what we can do is create a time capsule that will give our future selves, or someone else, a glimpse into who we were in present times.

They can be a wonderful way to preserve and showcase your personal or family memories for future self or future generations.

There are so many options for what can go into your time capsule.

It can be made up completely of things that you love as well as things that represent the period like music, books, TV, shows, pop trends, etc.

I have a list of ideas for you below to help you decide what to put inside.

Science Fiction Books for Middle School Kids

Next, I have more science fiction books for middle school kids.

11 Science Fiction Books for Middle School

Your kids will love reading one or two of these science fiction books or them to add to your unit study.

The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

This newer addition to sci-fi is an absolute delight and is part of a series of 3 books following robot Roz as she navigates her accidental life on a wild remote island. We adored this first selection as a read-aloud. 

The War of the Worlds

So begins The War of the Worlds, the science fiction classic that first proposed the possibility of intelligent life on other planets and has enthralled readers for generations. This compelling tale describes the Martian invasion of earth. When huge, tireless creatures land in England, complete chaos erupts. Using their fiery heat rays and crushing strength, the aliens just may succeed in silencing all opposition. Is life on earth doomed? Will mankind survive? A timeless view of a universe turned upside down, The War of the Worlds is an ingenious and imaginative look into the possibilities of the future and the secrets yet to be revealed.

Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Force Collector

This is probably one of the best book versions of Star Wars ( in the opinion of a teen fan) but it is not based on familiar characters in the Star Wars universe rather it is a new storyline and new characters in familiar locations. This is a stand-alone story with no sequels as of now

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Illustrated Edition

It’s an ordinary Thursday morning for Arthur Dent . . . until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly after to make way for a new hyperspace express route, and Arthur’s best friend has just announced that he’s an alien.After that, things get much, much worse.With just a towel, a small yellow fish, and a book, Arthur has to navigate through a very hostile universe in the company of a gang of unreliable aliens. Luckily the fish is quite good at languages. And the book is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy . . . which helpfully has the words DON’T PANIC inscribed in large, friendly letters on its cover.Douglas Adams’s mega-selling pop-culture classic sends logic into orbit, plays havoc with both time and physics, offers up pithy commentary on such things as ballpoint pens, potted plants, and digital watches . . . and, most important, reveals the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything.

The Time Machine

Embark on an extraordinary time-travel adventure with H.G. Wells. Explore fascinating future worlds and dystopian societies. Witness the implications of human evolution and societal decay. Engage with thought-provoking questions about the nature of humanity. Experience the brilliance of H.G. Wells’ visionary storytelling.

The City of Ember Deluxe Edition: The First Book of Ember

The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. After two hundred years the great lamps that lights the city are beginning to flicker, and two friends fight together to save the city in this first of 4 in the series. It is listed as recommended for grades 3-7 but it really is an enjoyable story for even older grades.

Last Day on Mars (Chronicle of the Dark Star, 1)

This part 1 of a 3-part series has stunning visual imagery and impossible situations like life on the red planet, when even that is threatened the few humans left must travel to yet another home on a distant star unlocking mysteries about time and space,

Ender's Game (The Ender Saga, 1)

This is the first of Orson Scott Card's Cards Ender's Saga, to date there are 5 novels and one novella in the Ender series based on the government breeding child geniuses and training them as soldiers against alien attack.

The Hunger Games

Even if They have already seen the movies I highly recommend assigning your middle schooler this series. It gives a lot of material for discussions of moral choices, allegiance to your government at all costs, friendships, how a future like this could come to be, and more

Divergent (Divergent Series, 1)

Similar to Hunger Games this is the first in a 4 part series of a dystopian world where everyone is split up into 5 factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) splitting families and friends and pitting them against one another.

Ready Player One

If you have a teen who loves gaming and the 80s along with science fiction they are really going to enjoy this one that is set in 204 but filled with pop culture references from that totally awesome decade

25 Things to Put in Your Time Capsule

  1. A letter- addressed to your future self or whoever finds it.
  2. Photographs- selfies and favorite photos of you, your house, family, and pets.
  3. Newspaper- A front page of the current date is a good choice.
  4. Grocery ads- To show how much grocery items cost at the time.
  5. Favorite toys, current favorite things from the time like LEGO, mini surprise toys, video games, etc…Fast food kids meal toys, unopened.
  6. Coins dated from the current year.
  7. Ticket stubs from current movies, concerts, and events.
  8. Dried flowers from a bouquet or your yard.
  9. Seashells and sand from a beach trip with a label of when/where.
  10. Cleaned packages from your favorite snacks.
  11. A lock of your hair.
  12. Short notes of advice from every family member.
  13. A copy of your favorite book with a note inside.
  14. Your favorite t-shirt.
  15. Key to the house.
  16. A family recipe
  17. Magazines
  18. Your favorite poem.
  19. Copy of your report card.
  20. Takeout menus from local restaurants.
  21. Hand or footprints
  22. A video recording of yourself/family.
  23. Technology cards, chargers, power banks, flash drives, etc…  to show what tech was like in your time.
  24. Local souvenirs from your area.
  25. A bucket list of things you want to accomplish in the years that you have set your time capsule for if you are putting it away for your future self.
How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

5 More Cool Time Travel Crafts and Activities

  1. Here is an idea for a Time Traveller’s Journal done in steampunk style which just screams time traveler to me. 
  2. If you want to go crazy you can get an old refrigerator box and turn it into a time machine with your kids.
  3. Another popular time travel book is Madeleine L’Engle’s  A Wrinkle in Time, and these Cootie Catchers are a really fun activity to go along with it.
  4. Watch the History of Time Travel on Prime Video, a fictional documentary about the world’s first-time travel machine and the impact it has on real-world events.
  5. Of course, we can’t forget one of the most popular time travelers, Doctor Who, craft these scarf bookmarks to keep your spot in your favorite time travel books.

Putting Together a Time Capsule

The first thing you want to do is determine how long you want to keep your time capsule before opening. How long-term are you willing to go? 5 years? 10? 20? 50?

Where will you put it? Are you going to bury it in the backyard or just hide it in a box or the back of the closet?

Now what are you going to put in your time capsule?  There are so many options.

A time capsule can be made up completely of things that you love as well as things that represent the period like music, books, TV, shows, pop trends, etc. I have a list of ideas for you below to help you decide what to put inside.

If you would rather use something sturdier to bury your time capsule and not worry about the elements here are a couple of ready-to-go options.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

You will need:

  • An Airtight container
  • Letter and number stickers
  • Themed stickers
  • Tissue paper
  • Masking or packing tape
  • Your chosen items
How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Clean and dry your chosen vessel.  I used this large pickle jar that we had on hand, I wouldn’t trust it to be suitable for varying in the backyard but it’s great for putting in a hope chest or in the back of the closet.

How to Put Together a Time Capsule Craft

Add the current year to your time capsule with letter stickers, you can also add the goal year of when it should be opened if you like.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

You can use other fun stickers to decorate the outside of your time capsule either with a futuristic theme or just a fun mix to fit your personality.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Pre-fit all your items in the container to make sure they will fit with a little space.

We are using tissue paper to hide it all because if we paint the jar inside or out it will scratch off. You can cover it in contact paper on the outside if you prefer.

Once you know everything fits, wrap it all carefully in tissue paper and slide it back into the jar.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Replacing the lid and securing it with duct tape or packing tape works well to secure the lid to help deter little eyes from peaking too soon.

Now all that is left to do is hide your time machine on the back of a shelf or deep in a chest in the attic.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, science, science fiction, time travel

11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers

December 29, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Are you looking for the best science fiction books for middle schoolers? Also, you’ll love my pages How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School and Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber) to round out your day.

Science fiction books encourage reading and are also great options for reading aloud.

Too, they are great for encouraging imagination and curiosity in the reader.

11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers

It also opens the door for discussions on the benefits and drawbacks of futuristic ideals of society, technology, and sciences.

Besides that, it is just fun sometimes to step away from reality and wonder what if in the form of an entertaining story.

What exactly is the difference between science fiction and fantasy?

Simply put, science fiction is based on reality. It has exaggerations and possibilities of what could be and is set in futuristic times.

Living in space, time travel, and dystopian societies are often the main plot and settings of Science Fiction

Fantasy is rooted in the impossible but fantastic possibilities.

And is often based on an equivalent time in past human history.

More Middle School Resources

  • Free Middle School Science Curriculum and Magazines
  • 11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers
  • How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options
  • 10 Best Science Movies for Middle School
  • The Best Eighth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

If you have a middle schooler who loves fantasy or a reluctant reader who might be drawn into reading fantasy, I have a list with a variety of classic and newer science fiction books to choose from.

11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers

Besides January 1st is National Science Fiction Day.

So, I thought it was a great time to share my top 11 best science fiction books for middle schoolers.

Common Sense Media is a great place for you to check reviews and get a little more detail on the themes and language in books; choose for yourself what is appropriate and what is not for your family.

SCIENCE FICTION CRAFTS

  • How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers

11 Science Fiction Books for Middle School

Your kids will love reading one or two of these science fiction books or them to add to your unit study.

The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

This newer addition to sci-fi is an absolute delight and is part of a series of 3 books following robot Roz as she navigates her accidental life on a wild remote island. We adored this first selection as a read-aloud. 

The War of the Worlds

So begins The War of the Worlds, the science fiction classic that first proposed the possibility of intelligent life on other planets and has enthralled readers for generations. This compelling tale describes the Martian invasion of earth. When huge, tireless creatures land in England, complete chaos erupts. Using their fiery heat rays and crushing strength, the aliens just may succeed in silencing all opposition. Is life on earth doomed? Will mankind survive? A timeless view of a universe turned upside down, The War of the Worlds is an ingenious and imaginative look into the possibilities of the future and the secrets yet to be revealed.

Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Force Collector

This is probably one of the best book versions of Star Wars ( in the opinion of a teen fan) but it is not based on familiar characters in the Star Wars universe rather it is a new storyline and new characters in familiar locations. This is a stand-alone story with no sequels as of now

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Illustrated Edition

It’s an ordinary Thursday morning for Arthur Dent . . . until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly after to make way for a new hyperspace express route, and Arthur’s best friend has just announced that he’s an alien.After that, things get much, much worse.With just a towel, a small yellow fish, and a book, Arthur has to navigate through a very hostile universe in the company of a gang of unreliable aliens. Luckily the fish is quite good at languages. And the book is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy . . . which helpfully has the words DON’T PANIC inscribed in large, friendly letters on its cover.Douglas Adams’s mega-selling pop-culture classic sends logic into orbit, plays havoc with both time and physics, offers up pithy commentary on such things as ballpoint pens, potted plants, and digital watches . . . and, most important, reveals the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything.

The Time Machine

Embark on an extraordinary time-travel adventure with H.G. Wells. Explore fascinating future worlds and dystopian societies. Witness the implications of human evolution and societal decay. Engage with thought-provoking questions about the nature of humanity. Experience the brilliance of H.G. Wells’ visionary storytelling.

The City of Ember Deluxe Edition: The First Book of Ember

The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. After two hundred years the great lamps that lights the city are beginning to flicker, and two friends fight together to save the city in this first of 4 in the series. It is listed as recommended for grades 3-7 but it really is an enjoyable story for even older grades.

Last Day on Mars (Chronicle of the Dark Star, 1)

This part 1 of a 3-part series has stunning visual imagery and impossible situations like life on the red planet, when even that is threatened the few humans left must travel to yet another home on a distant star unlocking mysteries about time and space,

Ender's Game (The Ender Saga, 1)

This is the first of Orson Scott Card's Cards Ender's Saga, to date there are 5 novels and one novella in the Ender series based on the government breeding child geniuses and training them as soldiers against alien attack.

The Hunger Games

Even if They have already seen the movies I highly recommend assigning your middle schooler this series. It gives a lot of material for discussions of moral choices, allegiance to your government at all costs, friendships, how a future like this could come to be, and more

Divergent (Divergent Series, 1)

Similar to Hunger Games this is the first in a 4 part series of a dystopian world where everyone is split up into 5 factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) splitting families and friends and pitting them against one another.

Ready Player One

If you have a teen who loves gaming and the 80s along with science fiction they are really going to enjoy this one that is set in 204 but filled with pop culture references from that totally awesome decade

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Reading Lists Tagged With: book lists, books, reading, science, science fiction

Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

January 2, 2023 | Leave a Comment
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Today is national science fiction day and we’re doing a science fiction for middle school fun Jurassic Park unit study. You can find more about fossils on my Amber – Freezing Gold Lapbook and Unit Study and for tips on homeschool middle school.

Besides science and suspense make for a fun unit study.

And we’re science fiction lovers here whether it’s Dr. Who, Star Trek or Battlestar Galactica, remember that?

Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

In addition, a science fiction unit study unlike a fantasy study delves into the possibilities of what if and may not stay in the realm of imagination like fantasy.

One more thing, most of my unit studies I create for multiple ages and still target one age group.

So, although this is targeted toward middle school, I have activities for all ages since we learn together.

Because science fiction is a mix of science and what can be possible in the future, it makes for a fun day of learning or is that bantering with middle schoolers?

First, look at the topics that can be covered in a Jurassic Park unit study and then I have some hands-ideas and resources below.

15 Jurassic Park Unit Study Topic Ideas

And whether you choose to read the book or watch the fun movies, you’ll have different topics.

For example, here are 15 topics to study while watching or reading Jurassic Park.

  • Can you clone dinosaurs from fossilized mosquitoes in amber?
  • Too, what is cloning and what are scientist so fascinated by the topic and why the controversy?
  • Understand about dinosaurs and their behavior.
  • And dive deep into understanding velociraptors and pterodactyl
  • Explain biotechnology and the pros and cons.

  • How is DNA recovered and what is DNA?
  • What is fragmented DNA?
  • How do amphibians reproduce?
  • Describe the geography of the island and the types of trees and plants on the island.
  • Learn what is amber and how it’s formed.

  • Discuss different scientific theories. For instance, chaos theory, gene theory, and Darwinian theory. This leads to a great discussion of adding your world view.
  • Investigate about Steve Spielberg and what it means to be a successful director and producer.
  • How to explain what is a fossil?
  • Focus on how organisms are classified.
  • Define what is a paleontologist and how they work.

Next, here is some information about the study of dinosaurs.

Facts and Resources about Dinosaurs

Moreover, talking about dinosaurs gives you time to share your worldview and to separate what is fact from fiction.

And that is what makes it fun to teach this unit study because some questions may just be unanswered.

  • What Color Were Dinosaurs YouTube
  • A Brief History of Geologic Time YouTube
  • Are Birds Dinosaurs YouTube
  • Dinosaurs of Antarctica Education Guide 121 page
  • Wyoming Dinosaur. Lots of great activities and printables.
  • Fossils and Dinosaurs
  • American Museum Of Natural History has fun Lessons Plans and Ideas
  • Dinosaur Lesson Plans
  • Dinosaurs are Real 4 page lesson plan from Smithsonian
  • Dinosaurs are for the Birds lesson plan
  • Dinosaur Detectives

In addition, look at some hands-on ideas about dinosaurs.

  • 8+ Super Fun Dinosaur STEM Activities for Kids
  • Fun Dinosaur Activities Printable
  • Dinosaur Printables for Kids
  • Make a GIANT dinosaur out of toilet paper rolls
  • Create Wearable Dino Feet
  • How to Make Dinosaur Fossils
  • Dinosaur Matching Puzzle
  • Homemade Dinosaur Bones

And here are some hands-on ideas for science.

Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

Or science fiction for middle school kids.

Hands-on Ideas for Science and Science Fiction for Middle School

  • Do my Amber – Freezing Gold Lapbook and Unit Study.
  • Change the climate of a planet so it can be inhabited
  • Make Dinosaur Fossils
  • How To Study Human Anatomy For Science:Build An Edible DNA Model
  • Strawberry DNA Extraction
  • Build a Dino STEM Activity
  • DIY Dino Egg Soap
  • Attack of the Killer Cabbage Clones
  • How to make a Velociraptor model from paper mache and bubble wrap.
  • 11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers

Further, look at these fun resources to add to your Jurassic Park Unit Study.

10 Jurassic Park Unit Study Resources

Add one or more of these fun resources to your study to bring it to life.

1. Jurassic World: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book

Featuring explosive, pop-off-the-page depictions of the Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, and other prehistoric favorites, this deluxe pop-up book traces the evolution of the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World sagas across three decades of major motion pictures. Presented in a dynamic 360-degree format that allows fans to view and participate in the action from all sides, Jurassic World: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book also includes interactive pull-tabs and hidden surprises.

2. Jurassic Park

HD. Steven Spielberg brings dinosaurs to stunning life in this thriller about an island theme park where the star attractions go on a rampage.

3. Jurassic World Magnetic Activity Book Set

Jurassic World Magnetic Activity Book Set - Jurassic World Bundle with Interactive Reference Book and Jurassic Park Stickers for Kids, Boys, Girls (T-Rex Dinosaur Activity Book). This activity book bundle comes with 1 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Meet the Dinosaurs magnetic fun activity book with 10 pages and magnetic dinosaur figures. Each page of this Jurassic World dinosaur reference book contains fun facts about all your favorite dinosaurs and features magnetic play scenes, perfect for placing your dinosaur magnets on the page to create fun scenarios

4. Jurassic World Adult Coloring Book

This book features forty-five original, line-art images depicting the lush environments and heart-racing action from the hit film, including all of your favorite dinosaurs, the Indoraptor, Baryonyx,
Stygimoloch, and fan favorites T. Rex, Mosasaurus, and Blue, for you to color however you wish!

.5. Dinosaur Blanket for Boys Girls

Throw Blanket with Dinosaur Pattern Gifts for Dinosaur Fans, Lightweight Flannel Fleece Blanket for Bed Sofa Couch

6. Jurassic World Dinosaur Field Guide

Dinosaur Field Guide, written by two noted paleontologists and illustrated in big bold colors, is a
kid-friendly nonfiction guide that uses simple text to describe over 100 dinosaurs! Kids will learn tons of awesome facts about the most well-known dinosaurs and some of the newest discoveries.

7. Jurassic World: The Official Cookbook

Designed to look like an in-world souvenir sold at the park, this colorful cookbook features approachable at-home recipes for treats and dishes that celebrate the different regions of the iconic park and the miraculous dinosaurs that live there

8. Dinosaurs in the Wild! (Jurassic World Dominion) (Step into Reading)

Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics for children who are ready to read on their own.

9. Dinosaur Fossil Digging Kit for Kids, Dinosaur Eggs Excavation Kit

3 KINDS OF DIFFERENT DIGGING FUN: 1. Dinosaur head fossil: Child can excavate 5 real dinosaur fossils including 2 tyrannosaurus tooth, 1 tyrannosaurus claw & 2 lava stones! 2. The dinosaur bones inside Brick can assemble 3D T-rex skeleton. 3. 6 pieces Dino Eggs Dig Kit & discover 6 unique dinosaur designs. Feel like a real paleontologist excavating up unique toy dinosaurs from 3 digging
styles.

10. Six Piece Jumbo Dinosaur Toys for Kids

13-17 Inches 6 Pcs Jumbo Dinosaur Set includes the following mighty dinosaurs: T-Rex, Pterodactyl,
Triceratops, Brachiosaurus,Giganotosaurus and Velociraptor Blue . This jumbo dinosaur set includes realistic, colorful dinosaur figures that are durable and made from high-quality material.

EDUCATIONAL DINOSAUR FIGURES:Kids will Enjoy Hours of Imaginative Play with These Jumbo Realistic-looking Dinosaurs!Fun and Educational for Both Boys and Girls Alike.Just Right for a School / Dinosaur Science Project or Report.

Now let’s try creating our own insect in amber for an amazing hands-on activity and keepsake from this exciting unit study.

DIY Insect In Amber Activity

You can make a pendant to be worn or a ball of amber to display.

Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

This is a very fun activity that will interest older kids who may have done fossil impressions one too many times and would like something that is more of a challenge and not babyish.

Supplies Needed: You will need epoxy resin and supplies.

After quite a bit of research this kit seemed to offer the best combination of variety, price, and reviews.

It was very easy to work with and included everything a beginner needs to get started with epoxy including gloves and a silicone mat to protect your surfaces.

Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

First, create a small insect from craft clay, we attempted a mosquito.

But it came out looking a bit more like a fly and that’s okay.

DIY Insect In Amber Activity

We are not going for perfection with our kiddos. If you prefer you can grab some small plastic insects to use.

Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

Mix epoxy resin parts A and B according to directions.

From what I can tell they pretty much all call for equal parts A and B but from a lot of comments and research the general buzz is to add slightly more B (hardener) to get better results.

Add a small amount of the mica powder to the mixed resin. 

Then, use a toothpick to add a tiny dot or two of yellow and maybe a bit of a rusty red color to get close to an amber shade.

You will be able to see from the final images that we went a little too dark on our first attempt.

So, you want it to be mostly translucent and remember you can always add more color but not subtract it.

Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

Pour a very thin layer of resin in the bottom of your silicone mold and then place your insect in the bottom.

Carefully pour resin mixture over it to fill it to the top of mold.

The kit I linked is self-leveling and the air bubbles will come out on their own.

However, if you are using a different type, follow manufacturer directions.

Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

Place the mold on a hard flat surface and leave it undisturbed for 24 hours until completely hardened.

Gently unmold your creations and marvel at how perfectly preserved your “specimen” is.

Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

If you made a pendant now is the time to make a necklace by stringing elastic cord, fishing wire, or other thin fiber through the hole.

Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

Otherwise, your insect in amber is ready to put on display.

We may have gotten a little carried away, making pendants preserving feathers and dried flowers as well.

Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Middle School Homeschool Tagged With: crafts, Jurassic Park, middle school, middleschool, science fiction, unit studies, unit study, unit study approach

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