The Science of Harry Potter: A book by Roger Highfield
Harry Potter is a special blend of science fiction, not because of the story it tells (although that is quite interesting to many as well) but because of the possibilities it unleashes and the parallels to our own world. For many, the comparison between wizards and muggles and what each finds peculiar is fascinating. Other science fiction what-ifs have led to current technologies and great discoveries of our times: such as the smart phone.
CREDIT FOR THIS SECTION
1. Reading the book.
-I want to know that you have read the book. As such, when you are ready to check out your copy come see me and I will give you a bookmark that has 3 sentences on it. As you read, write down the page numbers that these sentences came from. -Everyone's bookmark will be different. -Turn in your completed bookmark as evidence of your reading. |
2. Discussion
This portion will be done with others who have read the book and in my presence. It can be done during class-time, before school, or after school. I will even accept a recorded discussion provided faces are shown and all voices are clearly heard. It is my hope to stimulate wonder and interest for this part of the grade. I am not interested in making everyone a Harry Potter fan, but of guiding curiosity and stimulating intellectual discussion. |
3. Harry Potter Project
-You will write a 4-6 page paper on a topic discussed in the book. You should use the same parameters as writing for your English class. -This is NOT a book summary like you did in Middle School. -Whatever your topic is, you should have some sort of thesis and support it using examples from the book. For example you might compare and contrast the underlying technologies of muggle flight (helicopters and airplanes) to wizard's flight (potions, brooms, and special cars). For a proper score, you should use quotations and cite your examples that support your argument from pages in the book. |
Thank you to Abria Cosby and Leslie Gallardo. Former students whose interests and love of reading helped me to build this section of the project.
Thank you also to Mrs Sharon Harman, whose willingness to aide me in selecting appropriate texts for this course allowed me to find this book and others.
Thank you also to Mrs Sharon Harman, whose willingness to aide me in selecting appropriate texts for this course allowed me to find this book and others.