Dan Dare: Spacefleet Operations (Owners' Workshop Manual)
Owners' Workshop Manual Series
What’s inside...
This Haynes Manual provides a comprehensive overview of the spaceships, space stations, and other craft featured in the iconic British comic series, Dan Dare. Written with an introduction by Dan Dare and exploring the history of world government, the book delves into new discoveries such as impulse drive and gravity motors, showcasing cutaways of major spacecraft, both civilian and Spacefleet. It also covers bases, space stations, defense craft, and alien craft including the Mekon's craft. Illustrated with detailed cutaway artwork by Graham Bleathman and supplemented by comic-strip art, this manual is an in-depth technical guide and a must-have for fans of the series.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in charge of a space mission like Dan Dare?
How do you think teamwork helps Dan Dare and his crew achieve their goals?
Which gadget or technology in the book fascinated you the most and why?
What qualities do you think make a good leader, based on Dan Dare’s character?
How do you think exploring space can help us understand our planet better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their ideas and thoughts about space exploration and leadership qualities. Validate their feelings and thoughts to show genuine interest. Draw parallels between the teamwork shown in the book and real-life situations like school projects or sports. Use the book's illustrations to discuss the technology and gadgets, asking your child how they might invent or improve them. Lastly, relate the story’s themes to current space missions and research to make it more relevant and exciting.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of working together as a team to solve complex problems and achieve common goals in the challenging environment of space.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate with others to accomplish tasks more effectively.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Dan Dare and his team often face unexpected challenges and have to come up with innovative solutions, demonstrating critical thinking and quick decision-making.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively in their daily lives, whether in academic settings or personal situations, fostering a proactive problem-solving mindset.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book are tasked with specific roles that contribute to the safety and success of the missions, teaching the importance of being dependable and accountable.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of taking responsibility for their actions and duties, whether it's in completing homework on time or fulfilling household chores.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The exploration of space and encountering new frontiers fuels a sense of curiosity and eagerness to learn more about the universe.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and ask questions about the world around them, enhancing their knowledge and appreciation for science and exploration.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, Dan Dare and his crew must demonstrate bravery in the face of danger and the resilience to overcome setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and recover from disappointments, whether it's trying out for a school play, dealing with a tough exam, or making new friends.