Space, The Final Frontier
- Simon O'Donovan
- Aug 16
- 10 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
This Dementia Cafe Quiz focuses on the sci-fi genre. There are five rounds;
- Complete the idioms
- Name the aliens
- Name the robots
- Name the spaceships
- Sci fi movie quiz
- Name that tune
Obviously, that's quite a lot, so you could run the activities over several sessions.
To begin, you could ask members ...
Who likes the sci-fi genre?
Who would like to go into space?
Who believes in UFOs and aliens?
Has anyone had a close encounter?
Name the top secret area in Nevada, where this "alien autopsy" was filmed?
ROUND 1. SPACE RELATED IDIOMS
Here is a list of space and sci-fi related idioms. Ask members to complete them by way of a shout out.
General Space and Cosmic Idioms
Over the MOON: To be extremely happy or excited.
Shoot for the STARS: To aim for something very high or ambitious.
Once in a blue MOON: Something that happens very rarely.
Out of this WORLD: Extremely good or amazing.
Starry-EYED / Stardust in your EYES: Being overly optimistic, dreamy, or unrealistic.
Many moons AGO: A long time ago.
Space OUT: To lose focus or daydream.
The sky's the LIMIT: There are no limits to what you can achieve.
It's not rocket SCIENCE: Something that is not very difficult or complicated to understand.
Written in the STARS: Destined to happen; fated.
Light-years AHEAD: To be very advanced or far ahead of others.
Come back down to EARTH: To be more realistic or practical.
Gravity of the SITUATION: The seriousness or importance of a situation.
Lost in SPACE: Feeling confused or unsure.
To the moon and BACK: An expression of great love or care.
Idioms and Catchphrases from Sci-Fi Pop Culture
Houston, we have a PROBLEM: A phrase from Apollo 13, now used to announce an issue or error.
The eagle has LANDED: A phrase from the Apollo 11 moon landing, used to announce the successful completion of a mission or arrival.
Live long and PROSPER: A Vulcan greeting from Star Trek used as a wish for a long and successful life.
May the Force be with YOU: A popular phrase from Star Wars used to wish someone good luck.
The truth is out THERE: A catchphrase from The X-Files that suggests a conspiracy or hidden information exists.
Beam me up, SCOTTY: A phrase from Star Trek (though never actually spoken in that exact way) used to ask someone to quickly transport you away.
I'll be BACK: A phrase from The Terminator used to promise a return.
In space no one can hear you SCREAM: A tagline from Alien that emphasises the terrifying isolation of space.
Don't PANIC: A piece of advice from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
ROUND 2. ALIENS
Here are some famous aliens. Can you name them/the movie or TV show?
Here are some clues ...
"Phone home."
I bet that (John) Hurt!
"Live long and prosper." (Can anyone make the salute?)
"Do or do not. There is no try!"
"I'm an alien, from the planet Melmac."
Wookiee.
Planet Ork.
Martians.
Another Martian.
Soup dragon.
Spotty.
"Is it a bird, is it a plane ..."
"Flash! Flash, I love you! But we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"
Jphn Wyndham
Of course, Dr Who was also an alien. How many of these actors can you name (give first names if people get stuck)?
ROUND 3. ROBOTS
Can you name these robots and/or the movie or TV show they feature in?
Here are some clues ...
'.... ..... In The 25th Century.'
Mashed potatoes. Here is the advert - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4MTgjNkfyI
Robin Williams.
"Boogie boogie."
Dr Who alien.
Dr Who's dog?
"I have a bad feeling about this."
"Beep bloop blop bleep boop."
"Steve Austin, a man barely alive. We can rebuild him."
Hitchhiker.
The Robinson family.
"Exterminate!"
'Futurama'.
"I'll be back."
"Dead or alive, you're coming with me."
"You are afflicted with a conscience."
'Forbidden Planet', 1956
"The perfect organism."
'Metropolis', 1927
"A robot cannot harm a human being."
'Bladerunner', 1982
'Silent Running', 1972
Wood Allen movie.
"You are a real boy, at least as real as I've ever made one."
"Klaatu barada nikto."
Did anyone have a robot or spaceship toy as a child?
Were they good fun, imagination wise, or just plain boring?
ROUND 4. SPACESHIPS
Can you name the spaceships and/or movies or TV programmes?
Clues ...
'Star Trek'
'Star Wars', 1977
'Doctor Who'
'Tracy Island'
Kryten (was the name of the robot)
Monty Python film
'Flight Of The Navigator', 1986
Darth Vadar's spaceship
James Bond movie.
The Mysterons
'SHADO' (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation)
H.G. Wells
ROUND 5. CLASSIC SCI FI MOVIES
Ask members if they can name these classic sci fi movies and then maybe they could say which they have seen and which they would rate most highly.
Here are some questions to go with the movies ....
'Star Wars', 1977
Name the characters in this photo?
'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind', 1977
Who can remember the five note code?
'2001: A Space Odyssey', 1968
What was the computer's name?
'Apollo 13', 1995
What were the words said by Jim Lovell to ground control after an oxygen tank explosion?
'Independence Day', 1996
What date is 'Independence Day'?
'Jurassic Park', 1993
Where did they find the dino D.N.A.?
'Back To The Future', 1985
What type of car time travelled?
'The Martian', 2015
How did he grow a crop of potatoes?
'Armageddon', 1998
Name the lead actor?
'Avatar', 2009
This is the highest-grossing film in history. How mauch do you think it made? a. $22 million, b. $220 million or c. $2.92 billion
'Bladerunner', 1982
What was the name of the androids that Deckard was hunting?
'Alien', 1979
What was the name of the spaceship?
'The Matrix', 1999
What colour were the pills (one was to remain in blissful ignorance, the other was to reveal the harsh truth of the Matrix)?
'The X-Files', 1998
What were the names of the agents?
'E.T'. The Extra-Terrestrial', 1982
What was the little boy's name?
'Star Trek', 1979
Name the characters in this photo?
'Planet Of The Apes', 1968
What ruined statue was on the beach at the end of the movie?
'Invasion Of The Body Snatchers', 1978
Name the actor?
'War Of The Worlds', 1953
What eventually killed the Martians?
'Superman', 1978
What was his earth name & which newspaper did he work for?
'Spiderman', 2002
What was his earth name?
ROUND 6. SPACE REALITY
What about real spaceships? Who can name these craft?
Clues:
The first satellite in space (Russian).
The spacecraft that took man to the moon.
The moon landing craft.
This spacecraft landed like an (very large and heavy) aeroplane. (Enterprise, Columbia, Challenger (exploded on take off), Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour)
This is a permanently manned spacecraft which takes 90 minutes to orbit the earth.
This is a 'Virgin' spacecraft.
These last two are part of Elon Musk's space fleet.
Here is a classic BBC News clip of a rocket launch, which is just perfectly timed ...
Can you name these real space people ...
Here are some clues ...
An Italian who was the first to report telescopic observations of the mountains on the moon, the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and the rings of Saturn. (Lived 1564-1642)
An English polymath who formulated laws of motion and gravitation. (Lived 1643-1727)
A German born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity. (Lived 1879-1955)
English composer who composed 'The Planets Suite' (Composed 1914-17)
Russian cosmonaut was the first man in space in 1961.
The 'Apollo 11' crew who took man to the moon on 16th July 1969.
British TV presenter who hosted 'The Sky At Night' from 1957-2012.
First British astronaut to undertake a space walk in 2016.
The man behind 'Virgin'.
The man behind 'Space X'.
British physicist and cosmologist who developed understanding of Black Holes (Lived 1942-2018)
& below
British astrologers
Does anyone believe in astrology?
Does anyone read their stars?
What are the 12 signs of the zodiac?
Here is a video of one of man's greatest achievements in space .... 'Apollo 11'
"It's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
ROUND 4. SPACE SONGS - NAME THAT TUNE
Here is your Spotify playlist ...
OTHER STUFF
For a practical activity, you could play Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' and ask members to do their best moonwalk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6pomaq30Gg
Some ideas for refreshments ...
* take care with chewing gum
And a game idea ...
Name the top secret area in Nevada, where this "alien autopsy" was filmed?
AREA 51
ROUND 2. ANSWERS
"Phone home."
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL
I bet that (John) Hurt!
XENOMORPH
"Live long and prosper." (Can anyone make the Vulcan salute?)
DR SPOCK
"Do or do not. There is no try!"
YODA
"I'm an alien, from the planet Melmac."
ALF
Wookiee.
CHEWBACCA
Planet Ork.
'MORK & MINDY'
Martians.
'MARS ATTACK'
Another Martian.
MARVIN THE MARTIAN ('LOONEY TUNES')
Soup dragon.
'THE CLANGERS'
Spotty.
'SUPERTED (& SPOTTY)
"Is it a bird, is it a plane ..."
SUPERMAN
"Flash! Flash, I love you! But we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"
FLASH GORDON & MERCILESS MING
John Wyndham
'DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS'
Dr Who was also an alien. How many of these actors can you name?
William Hartnell (1st Doctor)
Patrick Troughton (2nd Doctor)
Jon Pertwee (3rd Doctor)
Tom Baker (4th Doctor)
Peter Davison (5th Doctor)
Colin Baker (6th Doctor)
Sylvester McCoy (7th Doctor)
Paul McGann (8th Doctor)
Christopher Eccleston (9th Doctor)
David Tennant (10th & 14th Doctor)
Matt Smith (11th Doctor)
Peter Capaldi (12th Doctor)
Jodie Whittaker (13th Doctor)
Ncuti Gatwa (15th Doctor)
ROUND 3 ANSWERS
'.... ..... In The 25th Century.'
BUCK ROGERS & TWIKI
Mashed potatoes.
'CADBURY'S SMASH ALIENS'
Robin Williams.
'BICENTENNIAL MAN' (ANDREW)
"Boogie boogie."
'METAL MICKEY'
Dr Who alien.
CYBERMAN
Dr Who's dog?
K9
"I have a bad feeling about this."
C3PO
"Beep bloop blop bleep boop."
R2D2
"Steve Austin, a man barely alive. We can rebuild him."
'SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN'
Hitchhiker.
MARVIN THE PARANOID ANDROID ('HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY')
The Robinson family.
'LOST IN SPACE' (ROBOT)
"Exterminate!"
DALEK
'Futurama'.
BENDER
"I'll be back."
'TERMINATOR'
"Dead or alive, you're coming with me."
'ROBOCOP'
"You are afflicted with a conscience."
DAVROS
'Forbidden Planet', 1956
ROBBY
"The perfect organism."
ASH ('ALIEN')
'Metropolis', 1927
MARIA
"A robot cannot harm a human being."
'I ROBOT'
'Bladerunner', 1982
REPLICANTS (ROY BATTY)
'Silent Running', 1972
HUEY, DEWEY & LOUIE
Wood Allen movie.
'SLEEPERS'
"You are a real boy, at least as real as I've ever made one."
'ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE' (DAVID & TEDDY)
"Klaatu barada nikto."
'THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL', 1951 (GORT)
ROUND 4 ANSWERS
'Star Trek'
STARSHIP ENTERPRISE
'Star Wars', 1977
MILLENNIUM FALCON
'Doctor Who'
TARDIS
'Tracy Island'
'THUNDERBIRDS'
Kryten (was the name of the robot)
'RED DWARF'
Monty Python film
'LIFE OF BRIAN'
'Flight Of The Navigator', 1986
MAX
Darth Vadar's spaceship
DEATH STAR
James Bond movie.
'MOONRAKER', 1979
The Mysterons
'CAPTAIN SCARLET' (ZERO-X)
'SHADO' (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation)
'U'F'O' (SHADO INTERCEPTOR)
H.G. Wells
'THE TIME MACHINE'
ROUND 5 ANSWERS
'Star Wars', 1977
Name the characters in this photo?
LUKE SKYWALKER, PRINCESS LEIA, CHEWBACCA, HANS SOLO & DARTH VADAR
'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind', 1977
Who can remember the five note code?
'2001: A Space Odyssey', 1968
What was the computer's name?
HAL
'Apollo 13', 1995
What were the words said by Jim Lovell to ground control after an oxygen tank explosion?
"HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM"
'Independence Day', 1996
What date is 'Independence Day'?
4TH JULY
'Jurassic Park', 1993
Where did they find the dino D.N.A.?
MOSQUITO BLOOD TRAPPED IN AMBER
'Back To The Future', 1985
What type of car time travelled?
DE LOREAN
'The Martian', 2015
How did he grow a crop of potatoes?
USING CREW FOOD & HIS OWN POO
'Armageddon', 1998
Name the lead actor?
BRUCE WILLIS
'Avatar', 2009
This is the highest-grossing film in history. How mauch do you think it made? a. $22 million, b. $220 million or c. $2.92 billion
$2.92 BILLION
'Bladerunner', 1982
What was the name of the androids that Deckard was hunting?
REPLICANTS
'Alien', 1979
What was the name of the spaceship?
NOSTROMO
'The Matrix', 1999
What colour were the pills (one was to remain in blissful ignorance, the other was to reveal the harsh truth of the Matrix)?
BLUE & RED
'The X-Files', 1998
What were the names of the agents?
FOX MULDER (DAVID DUCHOVNY) & DANA SCULLY (GILLIAN ANDERSON)
'E.T'. The Extra-Terrestrial', 1982
What was the little boy's name?
ELLIOT
'Star Trek', 1979
Name the characters in this photo?
DR SPOCK, CPT JAMES T KIRK, BONES, SCOTTY, LT UHURA & CHEKOV
'Planet Of The Apes', 1968
What ruined statue was on the beach at the end of the movie?
STATUE OF LIBERTY
'Invasion Of The Body Snatchers', 1978
Name the actor?
DONALD SUTHERLAND
'War Of The Worlds', 1953
What eventually killed the Martians?
COMMON COLD
'Superman', 1978
What was his earth name & which newspaper did he work for?
CLARK KENT / 'DAILY PLANET'
'Spiderman', 2002
What was his earth name?
PETER PARKER
ROUND 6 ANSWERS
The first satellite in space (Russian).
'SPUTNIK'
The spacecraft that took man to the moon.
'APOLLO 11'
The moon landing craft.
'THE EAGLE'
This spacecraft landed like an (very large and heavy) aeroplane. (Enterprise, Columbia, Challenger (exploded on take off), Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour)
'SPACE SHUTTLE'
This is a permanently manned spacecraft which takes 90 minutes to orbit the earth.
'INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION'
This is a 'Virgin' spacecraft.
'VIRGIN GALACTIC'
These last two are part of Elon Musk's space fleet.
'SPACE X'
An Italian who was the first to report telescopic observations of the mountains on the moon, the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and the rings of Saturn. (Lived 1564-1642)
GALILEO GALILEI
An English polymath who formulated laws of motion and gravitation. (Lived 1643-1727)
ISAAC NETWON
A German born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity. (Lived 1879-1955)
ALBERT EINSTEIN
English composer who composed 'The Planets Suite' (Composed 1914-17)
GUSTAV HOLTZ
Russian cosmonaut was the first man in space in 1961.
URI GAGARIN
The 'Apollo 11' crew who took man to the moon on 16th July 1969.
MICHAEL COLLINS, BUZZ ALDRIN & NEIL ARMSTRONG
British TV presenter who hosted 'The Sky At Night' from 1957-2012.
PATRICK MOORE
First British astronaut to undertake a space walk in 2016.
TIM PEAKE
The man behind 'Virgin'.
RICHARD BRANSON
The man behind 'Space X'.
ELON MUSK
British physicist and cosmologist who developed understanding of Black Holes (Lived 1942-2018)
STEPHEN HAWKING
& below
British astrologers
RUSSELL GRANT & MYSTIC MEG
What are the 12 signs of the zodiac?
Aries (The Ram)
Taurus (The Bull)
Gemini (The Twins)
Cancer (The Crab)
Leo (The Lion)
Virgo (The Virgin)
Libra (The Scales)
Scorpio (The Scorpion)
Sagittarius (The Archer)
Capricorn (The Goat)
Aquarius (The Water-Bearer)
Pisces (The Fish)
Comments