Can students tell science fact from science fiction?
Hollywood is full of spectacular space scenes — but how much of what we see on screen is scientifically possible?

Science Fact or Science Fiction? challenges students to investigate five familiar movie-style space scenarios and decide what is scientifically accurate and what belongs firmly in the world of science fiction.

For each case study, students are given a short real-life movie scenario followed by three scientific statements. They must:

✔ Identify one statement as Science Fact
✔ Identify two statements as Science Fiction
✔ Explain and justify their choices using scientific knowledge

TOPICS INCLUDE

The five case studies explore different areas of science linked to space and the curriculum, encouraging students to apply what they know to situations they may have seen in films.

1. Exploding Spaceship
2. Gravity
3. The Dark Side of the Moon
4. Freezing in Space
5. The Asteroid Belt Maze

STUDENT SKILLS

• Applying scientific knowledge to real-world scenarios
• Identifying scientific misconceptions
• Using scientific reasoning
• Explaining and justifying answers
• Distinguishing fact from fiction
• Scientific literacy and communication
• Thinking critically about science in the media

GREAT FOR

Space Week
Science Week
Science lessons
Revision
Lesson fillers
Homework
Early finishers
Cover/Sub Plans
Science and STEM activities

5 case studies • 15 statements • Fact vs Fiction • Science reasoning

A fun, low-prep activity that encourages students to look beyond the Hollywood version of science and think about what would happen in the real world.

This activity has been provided as a printable PDF and a PowerPoint presentation.