Before someone can create new and better technologies in aviation and space exploration, they have to imagine them! Just like science fiction authors and artists, scientists and engineers use their imagination in their work.
Explore how science fiction helps us think about the future and what is possible, especially around inventions that make our lives better and make things easier to do.
On Demand Activities
Jump to Section: Science Fiction to Real Life Talk About It! Trailblazer Spotlight This or That? Game Story Time Suggestions Make a Comic Strip
Science Fiction to Real Life
Look through the images below.
- What do you notice that is similar between the imagined technology and what was developed later?
- What do you notice that is different?
Science Fiction
Real Life
Talk About It!
Kids, choose a question to ask a grown up in your family:
- Think about a science fiction movie, comic or book that you saw or read when you were a kid. Was there something in that book or movie that wasn't real then, but is real now?
- Is there any technology around now that would've surprised your 10 year old self?
Grown ups, ask your kids this question:Have you seen anything in a science fiction show, movie or book that you would like to see in the future?
Trailblazer Spotlight: Nichelle Nichols
Science fiction helps us imagine a better future, and that doesn't only have to be related to technology. The show Star Trek, that was on television during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, showed people of different races and backgrounds working together on a team. This was something not necessarily happening in real life during this time. In this section, meet one of the actors from the original cast.
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Actress Nichelle Nichols played Lieutenant Uhura on the science fiction TV show Star Trek, that was on from 1966 to 1969.
Footage, still photo(s), elements from Star Trek - Courtesy of CBS Broadcasting Inc.
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Seeing her on TV inspired many Black Americans, even Martin Luther King, Jr! When Ms. Nichols told Dr. King that she was thinking of quitting the show to pursue stage acting, he encouraged her to stay because she represented an African American woman working in a leadership position, treated as a peer by her crewmates. That type of presence was too important.
Footage, still photo(s), elements from Star Trek - Courtesy of CBS Broadcasting Inc.
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After her role on Star Trek, Ms. Nichols worked with NASA to recruit people of color and women for their astronaut program. As a result, the 1978 class of astronaut candidates included three African American men, one Asian-American man, and six women, all firsts for the NASA astronaut corps.
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Ms. Nichols passed away on July 30, 2022 but her impact as a role model for so many people onscreen and off lives on.
Other women have since played the part of Uhura, and she remains an important character in newer iterations of the Star Trek story. But Ms. Nichols’s performance and her collaboration with show creator Gene Roddenberry defined the character.
Talk About It!
- Nichelle Nichols was a role model because she showed people that Black women belonged in important places and could do important things.
- Do you have a role model or someone that makes you feel proud and welcomed? What makes this person your role model?
Play a Game: This or That?
How to Play:
- One person asks a "This or That" question (see questions below).
- Everyone playing the game answers the question. If they feel like it, they can describe why they chose that answer.
- Players take turns asking a different question.
- Use the questions below to get started, and make up your own!
Here are some questions to ask, related to science fiction and future technology:
- Flying cars or personal rocket packs?
- Robot to make your bed or robot to practice sports with?
- Teleport to school or go to school on a hoverboard?
- Home in space or home on Earth?
- Food like it is now or food in a pill?
- Smartphone or smart armband?
- Would you rather travel to space in an elevator or a rocket?
You can also create your own!
At-Home Story Time Suggestions
Check out these science fiction books at your school or library!
There's Nothing to Do on Mars by Chris Gall
Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Meg Hunt
Activity: Make a Science Fiction Comic Strip
Materials Needed:
- paper
- drawing materials, like a pencil, crayons, or markers
- image of objects from the Museum
Step 1:Think about what science fiction story you'd like to tell. Use these images to help with your storytelling.
Want to create a story about robots? Use this image of a NASA robonaut for inspiration.
Want to create a story about vehicles on other planets? Use this image of NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover for inspiration.
Want to create a story about living in space? Use this image for inspiration.
Step 2:Watch this video for instructions on how to make your own comic strip.
Have your materials ready so you can follow along!
Step 3:Create your comic strip story
- Think about who your main character is in your story, and where the story takes place.
- The first box will be the beginning of your story. The characters and the setting of the story are introduced here.
- The second box is for the middle of your story, which usually show something that is happening with your character.
- The third box is where you end the story (for now!)
Step 4:Share your comic with someone!
Soar Together at Air and Spaceis made possible by the generous support of Northrop Grumman.
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