Language Arts: Steampunk is Imaginative
With its strong attention to setting, both in terms of time and place, Steampunk is escapist fiction. It invites readers to leave their world for another fantastic place. A broader exploration of Steampunk offers consideration of genre study as Steampunk often incorporates elements of historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, folklore, and even horror.
The Death Collector by Justin Richards
Eddie Hopkins pickpockets the wrong person when he steals the wallet of a horologist (clockmaker / expert in measuring time). Inside the wallet is a piece of paper so valuable that a mad scientist will craft steam-powered monsters to pursue Eddie and his allies.
The Nine Pound Hammer by John Claude Bemis
Twelve-year-old orphan Ray Cobb jumps from an orphan train and joins the Ballyhoo, a train housing a medicine show with a blind sharpshooter, a snake charmer, a fire eater and a sword swallower. Ray learns that his father was Li’l Bill, a Rambler who helped John Henry win the competition with the steam engine. The Ramblers are protectors, and Ray works with them and the medicine show to defend the wilderness against the evil Cog—an industrialist intent on building a monstrous machine that feeds on ruined souls.
This first book in the Clockwork Dark Trilogy combines steampunk, the American wilderness and folklore.
This first book in the Clockwork Dark Trilogy combines steampunk, the American wilderness and folklore.
The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade
Modo is a young hunchback, with the power to alter his deformed features to take on any appearance. Octavia is a rescued urchin, whose street smarts complement Modo’s abilities. And they both become agents for the Permanent Association, a secret organization dedicated to protecting Great Britain. The two discover, and must thwart, a plot by the evil Clockwork Guild. This steampunk adventure is action-packed. The Victorian England setting is well-detailed, and the book borrows from the classics, combining elements of Victor Hugo’s Hunchback of Notre Dame and Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Steampunk Language Arts Teacher Resources and Lesson Plans
Write a Steampunk Story
1. Near the end of a steampunk unit, after examining multiple texts, make a class chart of Steampunk traits: Steampunk stories always.... Steampunk stories sometimes... Steampunk stories never.... (consider the following resource for ideas: http://kathrineroid.wordpress.com/2011/02/05/writing-steampunk/)
2. Brainstorm character traits for your protagonist. What is his/her name? Age? Family? Strengths? Weaknesses?
3. Describe the conflict in your story. Is your story about a journey? Does your protagonist battle a villian? Does your protagonist uncover a secret? Describe the resolution.
4. Begin writing. In addition to telling your story, SHOW it by incorporating specific details so that your reader is transported to a steampunk setting.
2. Brainstorm character traits for your protagonist. What is his/her name? Age? Family? Strengths? Weaknesses?
3. Describe the conflict in your story. Is your story about a journey? Does your protagonist battle a villian? Does your protagonist uncover a secret? Describe the resolution.
4. Begin writing. In addition to telling your story, SHOW it by incorporating specific details so that your reader is transported to a steampunk setting.
Debate: Does "We Can" Mean "We Should" Research and Debate
Like other forms of sci-fi, steampunk is often speculative fiction that uses science to change daily life. Does technology always advance society? Does we can mean we should? Read H.G. Wells's The Island of Dr. Moreau and pros and cons of scientific "advances" described or inspired by the text.
1. The Debate: In order to inquire into the notion of equality, you are going to take part in a debate regarding one of the “hot topics” surrounding genetic engineering. Your job is to argue ONE side of the topic you are assigned. You will use research to strengthen your argument.
2. The Research: To do this well, your group is going to research more about the topic by using several web pages on the internet. Please use the pages that are found under the key word search for your case number. This way both sides have access to the same data.
Case #1—google.com, keyword: using animals for cancer testing and/orcancer testing on mice
Case #2—google.com, keyword: prenatal screening and/or prenatal screening controversy
Case #3—google.com, keyword: genetic engineering in foods and/or herbicides in crops
Case #4—google.com, keyword: bovine somatotropin and/or using bst in cows
3. The Application:While you sort through the web material, each group member must find 5 different pieces of evidence that will support the group’s argument. You must have this evidence with you at the time of the debate. This means you must take detailed notes or print off sections of the information and highlight the sections you need to present the debate. Remember: part of your evidence should take into consideration the other side’s point of view.
4. The Follow-Up: After your group has presented, you will have a chance to share your opinion. Create an argumentative essay that argues your personal view of the issue you studied. Of course, include an introduction that states your claim or thesis, body paragraphs that provide evidence and explanations linking to your thesis, and a conclusion which finally proves your idea.
1. The Debate: In order to inquire into the notion of equality, you are going to take part in a debate regarding one of the “hot topics” surrounding genetic engineering. Your job is to argue ONE side of the topic you are assigned. You will use research to strengthen your argument.
2. The Research: To do this well, your group is going to research more about the topic by using several web pages on the internet. Please use the pages that are found under the key word search for your case number. This way both sides have access to the same data.
Case #1—google.com, keyword: using animals for cancer testing and/orcancer testing on mice
Case #2—google.com, keyword: prenatal screening and/or prenatal screening controversy
Case #3—google.com, keyword: genetic engineering in foods and/or herbicides in crops
Case #4—google.com, keyword: bovine somatotropin and/or using bst in cows
3. The Application:While you sort through the web material, each group member must find 5 different pieces of evidence that will support the group’s argument. You must have this evidence with you at the time of the debate. This means you must take detailed notes or print off sections of the information and highlight the sections you need to present the debate. Remember: part of your evidence should take into consideration the other side’s point of view.
4. The Follow-Up: After your group has presented, you will have a chance to share your opinion. Create an argumentative essay that argues your personal view of the issue you studied. Of course, include an introduction that states your claim or thesis, body paragraphs that provide evidence and explanations linking to your thesis, and a conclusion which finally proves your idea.
Student Resources
Steampunk Names
Consider names from this website for your characters or for your own steampunk identity: http://nameberry.com/blog/steampunk-names-victorian-sci-fi
Steampunk Rhymes
You grew up with fairy tales and nursery rhymes, and this site gives them a steampunk twist. See how adding steampunk details transforms these familiar rhymes:
http://www.fairypunkstories.com/nursery-rhyme-archive/
http://www.fairypunkstories.com/nursery-rhyme-archive/