The purpose of this article is to show how traditional science fiction, an empowering literature of social criticism, can be used by environmental educators to reach the traditional goals of environmental education. The sub-genres of science fiction are discussed along with ways in which they can be used to reach certain goals of environmental education. Planetary exploration, a sub-genre of science fiction, is compared to exploring and managing terrestrial wild frontiers and a case is made for using it to reach the goals of environmental education. Imaginative science fiction writing concerning Mars, a genre which reflects a changing environmental consciousness, is also discussed. (JRH)