Over nearly a month from autumn to winter, the sixth-grade students of SHSID Middle School embarked on a complete learning journey themed around "science fiction literature." This journey spanned from reading and film viewing to creation, AI video production, and speech presentation - taking them on a sci-fi adventure where imagination soared and minds collided in depth.

Gradual "Advancement": The Intellectual Leap from Reading to Creation

The students began their sci-fi reading during the National Day holiday, accumulating inspiration and knowledge for their subsequent creations. After the official launch of Sci-Fi Month, classroom focus shifted to the close reading and analysis of classic short stories such as Liu Cixin's "Taking Her Eyes" and Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles, achieving synergy between reading and writing instruction. Under their teachers' writing guidance, the students mastered the methods and techniques of crafting sci-fi stories and completed their own sci-fi novels in class, transforming their visions of the future into text. This was followed by class-level sci-fi speech competitions. Students vividly presented their self-created sci-fi stories to their peers using either AI-generated videos or PowerPoint presentations, allowing the written tales to come alive through the power of voice. After evaluation by the Chinese department teachers, a group of "Creative Pioneers" and "Nebula Orators" emerged during this process.

A Moment of Glory: The Dazzling Starlight of the Finals Award Ceremony

On the morning of December 19th, during the first period, the sci-fi story speech finals and award ceremony themed "Mirrored Realms" was held in the 600-seat auditorium of the West Building. Host  6-1 Jansen opened the event with a futuristic introduction, leading the audience in a review of the month-long sci-fi journey. After intense competition in the preliminary and semi-final rounds, six "Nebula Stars" ultimately stood out. Using their words as vessels, they took their fellow students on a voyage through time tunnels and the depths of cosmic space.

The six finalists took the stage one by one. Their speech topics covered various sci-fi themes such as AI ethics, dialogue between interstellar civilizations, and choices between technology and humanity.6-4 Olivia depicted the thought-provoking and eerie homogenization of humanity in 2148;  6-7 Ronald envisioned the epic grandeur of establishing a base on the Sun; 6-9 James  explored justice and loyalty through the actions of the Fire Dragon Squad.6-2 Steven introduced the concept of advanced civilizations testing humanity; 6-7 Doris portrayed a character's difficult choice between family bonds and the greater good;6-10 Ryan raised profound questions about "immortality through brain-computer interfaces."

The contestants were confident, composed, and vivid in their narration, demonstrating complete Chinese language proficiency and rich creative thinking.

Two rounds of lucky draws, initiated respectively by Ms.ChengLiyan and Ms.Liu Qiong during intermissions, ignited the enthusiastic atmosphere of the venue.

Ms.Chen Fan, Head of the Middle School Chinese Teaching and Research Group, subsequently provided professional and insightful comments on the contestants' performances. She fully affirmed the students' enthusiasm, literary talent, and creativity in AI video production, sci-fi story writing, and speech presentation, encouraging everyone to maintain their curiosity about the unknown and their passion for expression.

The event also featured a special "AI Dreamweaving" sci-fi story video showcase, presenting the fantastic visual works created by students with the aid of artificial intelligence technology - highlighting the limitless possibilities of integrating technology and humanities.

The award ceremony brought the event to its climax. Ms. Liu Qiong from SHSID Middle and Primary School Teaching Affairs Center (MPTC)presented the "Outstanding AI Dreamweaving Award" to students who produced excellent AI videos.

Grade 6 Supervisor Ms.ChengLiyan presented the "Creative Pioneer" Excellence Award to students who excelled in writing. Ms.Chen Fan, Head of the SHSID Middle School Chinese Department, presented the first, second and third place prizes for the "Creative Pioneer" award and also presented the "Nebula Oratory" Excellence Award to students who performed outstandingly in the speeches. The most anticipated awards for the speech finals were presented by Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School,Mr. Shen Tianyuan, who awarded the first, second and third place prizes of "Nebula Oratory" to the finalists. Amid cheers, numerous students were honored for their exceptional creative and oratory skills, drawing a perfect conclusion to this sci-fi journey. Finally, in the closing remarks, the host expressed heartfelt thanks to all participating students, the hardworking Chinese department teachers for their guidance, and the supporting ASB student association.

Writer Salon: Exploring the Spectrum of Creation with Mr.Ding Ding Chong

At noon on December 19th, while the warmth of the "Mirrored Realms" Sci-Fi Month activities still lingered, award-winning students gathered with excitement and anticipation in the West Building B Library for a precious in-depth dialogue—a face-to-face exchange with renowned sci-fi writer and translator, Mr. Dingdingchong. In this stimulating seminar, Mr.Dingdingchong, with his humorous style and insightful sharing, unveiled the thoughts behind sci-fi creation for the students, illuminating the growth path from reading to writing.

During the event, students actively asked Mr.Dingdingchong questions. Addressing their primary concern, "How to start creating," Mr.Dingdingchong offered practical advice. He emphasized that while extensive reading is important, pure interest and a strong desire for expression are even more valuable starting points. He inquired about and affirmed the students' intrinsic motivations for creation: whether it was thinking "others don't write well enough" and wanting to try themselves, simply finding it "fun," or yearning to explore a specific issue—all were sparks worth cherishing.

When encountering writer's block or lacking inspiration, his "prescription" was to continue reading voraciously, or to temporarily shift focus, and sometimes even to "force write" to break through stagnation. Discussing AI-assisted writing, Mr.Dingdingchong reminded the children to be mindful of identifying AI "hallucinations."

Finally, returning to the essence of sci-fi literature, Mr.Dingdingchong emphasized that telling a story well is more important than pursuing novelty of ideas. What truly moves people in sci-fi stories are always the human emotions and the brilliance of humanity contained within.

Since 2019, the annual Chinese "Sci-Fi Month" has become a signature cultural event on campus that sparks imagination, encourages expression, and fosters collaboration. Although the "Mirrored Realms" Chinese sci-fi journey has concluded, the students' curiosity about the world, their love for the Chinese language, and visions for the future will undoubtedly continue to shine brightly, propelling them towards the next starry sea.

(Written By Xinyi Zhang

Pictures by Ruolin Yan, All G6 Chinese Teachers

Reviewed by  Fan Chen ,Shiyue Meng, Shiyu Wu)