Sci-Fi Collection Discussion Questions

Select a story to view the corresponding discussion questions

A Matter of Magnitude

Accidental Death

After a Few Words

Crossroads of Destiny

Egocentric Orbit

Quiet, Please

Summit

The Untouchable

The Yillian Way

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A Matter of Magnitude

1. If humanity were ever to find alien life, do you think they would be the same size as us?
2. Do you think it is possible we have already encountered aliens, but our technology could not see them?
3. What assumptions does the captain make in the story? How do the captain's assumptions cause him to lose the standoff with the alien ship?

Accidental Death

1. Do you think people are born lucky or unlucky? Are you a lucky or unlucky person?
2. Do you think it will ever be possible to manipulate chance?
3. Do you like practical jokes?

After a Few Words

1. Do you think commercials today are effective? What do you like and dislike about today's commercials?
2. Can you think of a time when a commercial or advertisement prompted you to buy something?
3. Do you think we might see virtual reality commercials like this in the future?

Crossroads of Destiny

1. How different do you think America would be if George Washington had not been our first president?
2. Identify one big decision you have made in your life and consider how your life might be different if you had made a different choice.
3. Do you think it is possible that other realities exist, as this story supposes?

Egocentric Orbit

1. What do you think of the character's choice at the end?
2. Do you think you would like to see Earth from space?
3. Do you think there is a moral to this story?

Quiet, Please

1. Why do you think the song sounded wrong to Groverzb?
2. Do you think you would like to live somewhere that is quiet all the time?
3. What situations in your environment drive you crazy? For example, some people can't bear talking during movies or being in a room that is too cold.

Summit

1. What memories do you have of the Cold War?
2. Do you think a conversation like this could have happened between the U.S. and the Soviets?
3. This story shows two leaders discussing how their countries need war to prop up their economies. What are some other questionable reasons countries go to war? What circumstances justify a war?

The Untouchable

1. Have you ever studied particles like protons and electrons?
2. Do you think humanity will ever invent a device like this?
3. Can you think of scientific inventions that have turned out to be harmful to society?

The Yillian Way

1. How would you react to somebody treating you as poorly as the Yillians treated the humans?
2. Do you think it is a good thing to always show manners?
3. What do you think is the moral of this story?