Science fiction is a popular writing genre with teachers and primary pupils alike. It gives children the freedom to explore exciting ideas such as distant planets, alien visitors, futuristic cities, robots and extraordinary new technology.
Anything can happen in science fiction, making it the perfect genre for encouraging children to think creatively and take their writing beyond the world they already know.
It also creates brilliant opportunities to develop setting descriptions, characterisation, dialogue, suspense and imaginative vocabulary.
If your class needs a little help launching its next story, these eight ready-made science fiction writing prompts are a great place to begin. Each one includes an inspiring image, story starter and questions, with additional slides and activities available to Pobble subscribers.
Inside a quiet dome filled with stars, the wise leaders of the galaxy gather around a glowing table. They have come together to share their ideas and protect every star and planet.
But what danger might be threatening the galaxy, and what plan will its leaders create?
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
In a city where humans and robots live alongside one another, a young boy named Leo is given an important job. Leo has unusual abilities, and his eyes glow green whenever he thinks hard.
The city’s power has failed, and Leo is determined to fix it. What caused the problem, and can his abilities help him save the city?
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
At first, an enormous blue eye appears on the side of a building. Hours later, a second eye joins it. By the middle of the night, a complete blue face can be seen.
People across the world watch and wait. Then, the mysterious face begins to speak...
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
After years of silence, the machine begins to awaken. Its cogs turn, its optical sensors scan the surroundings and a series of electronic beeps breaks the silence.
Those watching wait nervously for its first move. Why has the machine awakened, and what will it do next?
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
Just before sunset, an extraordinary event unfolds in a sleepy town in the Oregon hills. A disc-shaped UFO appears above Main Street, floating silently in the evening sky.
Instead of running away in panic, the townspeople gather to watch in wonder. Who, or what, has come to visit them?
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
NeoMetropolis is an incredible futuristic city filled with sleek skyscrapers, glass skyways and advanced technology. Its winding bridges and busy walkways usually hum with energy and life.
However, as the visitor approaches the city centre, something feels wrong. The once-bustling streets are deserted and an eerie silence hangs in the air...
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
Amelia’s spaceship touches down on a dusty planet where cats are the only form of life. She has been sent on a special mission to study its unusual inhabitants.
As Amelia steps outside, she quickly discovers that these are no ordinary cats. They can speak her language and appear to know a surprising amount about human life. What other secrets could the planet be hiding?
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
XC3 is a little robot built to win. It has been programmed to outmanoeuvre any challenge, but now it faces its greatest opponent, DragonMaster, the legendary last human player.
To win, XC3 must learn to think quickly, creatively and unpredictably. But can a robot ever truly think like a human?
Can your class continue the story?
See all six writing activities that accompany this image.
Science fiction gives children permission to think beyond the familiar and imagine completely new possibilities.
Encourage your class to ask questions as they develop their stories:
These questions can help children build believable worlds while still allowing their imaginations to run wild.
These are just a few of the hundreds of ready-made writing prompts available on Pobble. Whatever genre or topic you are teaching, there is an image and idea waiting to inspire your class.