This paper is based on the proposal for teaching science through the use of science fiction and relies on references to literary critics of the genre, arguing that the greatest contribution to science education is not situated either in scientific precision, nor in didactic intentions nor even in the potential play this kind of narrative brings. Without disregarding the importance of these aspects, we argue that the main reason for bringing science fiction to science classes derives from the mechanisms of producing fiction that involves a special way of thinking about the natural world. Such mechanisms are based on assumptions that promote a so-called cognitive estrangement, which is able to promote in students reasoning as the starting point for a critical approach for teaching not only concepts and laws, but also epistemological and sociocultural implications and motivations.
Science teaching; Science fiction; Literature; Cognitive estrangement