Foundations of STEM Fiction: Moons, Myths, and the End of the World brings together three extraordinary 19th-century texts that blend scientific imagination, mythological inversion, and cosmic satire. Curated by educator and literary scholar Jason Kassel, PhD, this volume is part of The Big Ideas Club Presents: The Foundations of STEM Fiction-a series that reintroduces early science fiction as a way to think critically about technology, belief, and the systems that shape our future. Featuring: Washington Irving's satirical parable, The Conquest of the Earth by the Moon, which reimagines colonization from the Moon's perspective-offering a biting critique of European imperialism and the logic of "civilization." Richard Adams Locke's notorious Great Moon Hoax of 1835, a fabricated newspaper report that convinced thousands that lunar bat-people and crystal temples had been discovered through powerful telescopes. Edgar Allan Poe's final short story, The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion, a haunting metaphysical dialogue describing Earth's end by cosmic fire, inspired by real 19th-century comet fears. This volume includes a scholarly introduction, AI-literacy prompts, historical STEM timelines, and conversation starters-making it ideal for classrooms, homeschoolers, curious readers, and emerging critical thinkers. Foundations of STEM Fiction is not just a story collection. It's a teaching tool.

A launchpad for reflection. And an invitation to see literature as part of the scientific imagination. Perfect for fans of science fiction, satire, history of science, and speculative education.