School Visits

Author R.A. Dines brings engaging presentations about writing, science, and technology to your classroom

Large Group Assemblies

45 minutes
Grades 5-10
30 min conversation + 15 min Q&A
An Author's Journey

How I went from a 7th Grader writing short stories to a published author as an adult. I will discuss outlining a novel's plot, character development, and actual writing process. Students will leave with practical next steps to work on their own creative writing.

Desired outcome: Inspiring students to pursue creative writing.

Science Fact or Science Fiction

In this STEM-focused presentation, we will discuss topics such as the possibility of permanent human habitation on the moon and what it would be like to live on the moon.

Desired outcome: Understanding of key astronomy concepts, excitement to learn more about the topic.

How Does AI Actually Work?

AI and large language models are everywhere, but do you understand how they actually work? I will break down how AI models come up with answers and what it takes to run an AI model in a data center.

Desired outcome: Understanding of how tools like ChatGPT generate their answers so they can use them more responsibly.

Behind the Scenes of How I Hacked the Moon

Appropriate for student groups who have already read the novel, I will talk through themes and inspiration from the novel, from classic science fiction books to robotic kitchens in Boston.

Desired outcome: Engaging students with the text and giving them a deeper understanding of key themes in the novel.

Small Classroom Activities

45 minutes
Grades 6-8
Small-group facilitated discussion
AMA with the Author

I will facilitate an open discussion with students about the process of publishing a book, from idea to finished copy in-hand and all the steps in between.

Desired outcome: Inspiring students to pursue creative writing.

AI and Ethics Debate

In the world of How I Hacked the Moon, students live on the moon to operate AI data centers for big tech companies. Do we think this is a future that could actually come true? And is it ethical? I will facilitate a debate about AI use both today and in the hypothetical future.

Desired outcome: Understanding of how tools like ChatGPT generate their answers so they can use them more responsibly.

Book Club Discussion

As a small group, we will discuss the major themes from the book including identity, friendship, ethics, and loyalty. A book club discussion guide is available. Appropriate for student groups who have already read the novel.

Desired outcome: Engaging students with the text and giving them a deeper understanding of key themes in the novel.

Book a School Visit

Ready to bring R.A. Dines to your school? Get in touch to discuss scheduling and customize a program that fits your curriculum needs.

hello@racheldines.com
Now booking for 2025-2026

Virtual and in-person visits available. Programs can be customized to fit your specific curriculum needs and time constraints.