National Weather Service/NOAA
Dec. 6, 2006
A Different World
In the last challenge, "Imagining Change," we imagined a simple change in the weather. We then thought about how it might change plans for a favorite outdoor activity. A change for one day can be fun. A snowstorm might close school for a day, but it also means a chance to go sledding. So long as the change is short, things overall stay as they are.
What about changes that aren't short? Australia is having its worst drought in 100 years. People must use water with great care, saving as much as they can. For example, in the small city of Goulburn, no one can use a hose outside. This means no car washing and no watering a garden or lawn. The town's reservoir is almost dry, and there's been no rain. If this situation continues, the people in the town will have to bring in water by truck from other communities who still have some to spare.
Science fiction isn't always about stories that are adventures or fun in amazing places, although it can be. It can help you think about difficult problems. It can help you think about a different world.
Challenge: Another Tomorrow
Climate is the weather that you usually have over an entire year or longer. Suppose that the climate where you live becomes very different. Pick whichever change you want to think about: much drier or much wetter, hotter or colder, a very long winter or no winter at all.
Make a list of what might be different in your life and your community if this happened. Use your imagination. Think about where people work, what they eat, how homes are built. Pay attention to your daily life. What would change? What might stay the same? Don't forget the wildlife and plants in your area. How might the land itself change?
Write a short story or poem to describe what this new world of yours would be like.
If you wish, send your short story or poem to us at scifizone@snkids.com. If we use yours, you may be eligible to win a prize! Please include your first name, age, city or town, and state. If you are under 13 years old, get your parent's permission to write to us.
This week's recommended scifi books
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