Frequently Asked Questions
What is Teenfinity?
Teenfinity is a class project of the Science Fiction Literature class, winter semester, 2000, at Fruita Monument High School in western Colorado. As part of the course requirements, the students wrote a science fiction story of their own. It only seemed natural to publish their results.
Are the stories copyrighted?
Yes. Each story is individually copyrighted by its author. Please ask permission if you are interested in copying any of the work here.
Will the stories be on line forever?
No. When the next class writes their stories, these will be removed.
What assignment produced these stories?
Teachers or parents interested in what prompted the assignment can click on the link (the blue, underlined word). We have also included Ideas for stories, the Peer Editing Guidelines and the Grading Rubric. Teachers are welcome to copy these or adapt them to their own uses.
How do I get around this web site?
There is a navigation bar at the bottom of all the screens. Home takes you to the opening screen with the Teenfinity star field. The Stories takes you to the table of contents where each story is listed along with a brief teaser. The F.A.Q. link takes you here. The For Teachers link takes you to the assignment, peer editing and grading sheets. The Resources link takes you to numerous other links of interest to teachers, writers and science fiction fans. The Feedback link takes you to an e-mail form or the advisor's e-mail address. Your "back" button on the tool bar of your browser (generally an arrow pointing left) will back you up one screen.When you choose an external link, you will leave the Frames version of this site. Use your "previous page" button on your browser to return. Work on outside links may be copyrighted. Ask for permission to use their work.
Why is there a different screen for the stories?
We figure when you scroll a story down to read it, you'd like as much of your screen real estate available for reading as possible. Removing the horizontal navigation bar gives you a little bit more room for the story. Hitting the vertical Home link will take you to the Teenfinity welcoming screen and your other link choices.
How can I help students who want to know more about this kind of literature when I'm not a science fiction fan myself?In almost every class will be a few science fiction fanatics, or students who are so thoroughly drawn in by the assignment that they want to know more. Fortunately the Internet contains a wealth of information about science fiction. Refer to the resources page for specific topics.
What can I do to encourage my young science fiction writers?Most schools sponsor literary magazines. Writers should be encouraged to submit their work there. Also, the Internet provides numerous articles about writing and publishing science fiction.
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) have a junior membership available for science fiction/fantasy writers under twenty years old. Check their requirements for membership and encourage your qualifying writers to join this exciting, professional organization.
Creating an on-line magazine like this one is fairly easy. If you have a server willing to host it, you could make a web-zine for your school or club.
I have designed unique approaches to the classroom. How can I create my own on-line curriculum?There are numerous free or inexpensive software programs to help neophyte web page designers. Some servers offer free web space for members. Many school districts are now establishing their own computer services and might be willing to donate space for an educationally related site. David Brin and Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine are sponsoring Webs of Wonder, a contest for teacher/web designers/writers to create science fiction curriculum. Their web site includes numerous resources for web design and science fiction in the school.
Where can I find on-line resources to teach literature?Check the Resources page of this web site. There are a wealth of lesson plans, supplemental information and other resources for teachers on the web. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to find exactly what you are looking for. It takes planning and some lead time to use the Internet as a teaching resource efficiently.
How can I get a hold of a science fiction author to talk to my class about this kind of writing?The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), which is over a thousand members strong, maintains a Speakers' Bureau. If you contact them, they will try to hook you up with a the nearest professional writer. Many writers are willing to talk to a class about writing or science fictional ideas. Contact the SFWA Speaker Bureau at: Kathleen Woodbury <workshop@burgoyne.com>
Can I copy the handouts without violating copyrights? Can I change or adapt the material (add things/subtract things/reword them/etc.)?Yes. All material in the teacher section is the property of the author and is offered for your use without restriction. The student's storie can not be duplicated without their permission. The material at other web sites are subject to their own copyright restrictions. If you want to copy something from another web site, please be sure to get permission first.
When you choose an external link, you will leave the Frames version of this site. Use your "previous page" button on your browser to return. Work on outside links may be copyrighted. Ask for permission to use their work.
Who is James Van Pelt?That's me. I designed this web page. You can find about the author side of me here or the teacher side of me here. James Van Pelt can be e-mailed at jvanpelt@mesa.k12.co.us
You are at Fruita Monument High School's Teenfinity project, an in-class science fiction magazine produced for educational purposes. Copyright © 2000