Science fiction to science fact

"Cyborgs, heroes with missing hands, and prosthetics that allow sight in the blind are just some of the unbelievable plot points in science fiction that began years ago. Today, much of this technology exists. Those without legs can be fitted with bionic limbs so well made they can run marathons. Readers learn the history of bionic limbs in science fiction and popular culture and connect it to the real . . . science of today"--OCLC.

The first time the term ?tractor beam? was used was in 1931. Since then, tractor beams have been used in many science fiction books, movies, and TV shows to draw in spacecraft, people, and objects in space. This science fiction technology has become science fact. In 2015, scientists used sound waves to move tiny objects. Through reading about this and other modern technology, readers are engaged with incredible STEM information as well as their imaginations as they also learn the connections between this technology and popular science fiction.

Imagine if scientists had a tool that could make food or a chair seemingly out of thin air. Star Trek fans might recognize this piece of technology as "replicator," a concept that was also used in other science fiction stories. Readers learn that similar technology does exist, and it could eventually be used just like Star Trek replicators. Including STEM content as well as connections to popular culture, each chapter introduces readers to the latest in replicating technology, from 3D printers to lasers, through accessible language and explanations of this fascinating technology.