Parent Guide > They're Made Out of Meat

by Terry Bisson 1990

Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.

This week in class, we’re reading "They're Made Out of Meat" by Terry Bisson.

In "They're Made Out of Meat," two aliens have to decide if they want to interact with foreign beings that are made out of "meat."

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Fear & Paranoia, Loneliness & Isolation, and Prejudice & Discrimination as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"How does fear drive action?", "How does prejudice emerge?", and "What does it mean to feel alone?"

Ways to support your child:

  • Ask your child about this science fiction at home:
    • What was "They're Made Out of Meat" about?
    • What did you learn about Fear & Paranoia?
    • What did you learn about Loneliness & Isolation?
    • What did you learn about Prejudice & Discrimination?
  • Watch Prejudice & Discrimination: Crash Course Psychology #39 at home with your child.