Teaching Critical Thinking, Science, Language Arts and a Sense of Wonder

The New England Science Fiction Association (NESFA) is pleased to announce its third annual symposium on the use of science fiction literature as a dynamic teaching tool for developing critical thinking, science knowledge/appreciation, and language arts skills for students in grades 4 through 12.

These teacher workshops are open to science and language arts teachers and librarians (and other interested educators). Two “strands” of workshop will be offered: one aimed at grades 4-8; the other at grades 9-12. Workshops will feature panel discussions and presentations by professionals in education, science, and science fiction writing.

“When Words Collide 3” is one part of the Monty Wells Project, the New England Science Fiction Association’s ongoing efforts to educate and interest people in the synergy between science fact and science fiction. The Monty Wells Project is named for D. Montgomery Wells, one of our members, a high school chemistry teacher (and amateur auto racer), whose love of education inspired his students and his friends. “When Words Collide 3” is the third program which NESFA has produced under the auspices of the Monty Wells Project. Plans for future programs include the creation of curriculum guides for teaching science, language arts and critical thinking skills through science fiction, editing and publication of text books, and additional symposia and workshops.

When Words Collide 3 was held on Friday, February 16, 2001, at the Sheraton Tara Hotel, Framingham, Massachusetts, from 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

We regret to say that there won’t be a When Worlds Collide 4 in 2004.