Game Theory Discussion Prompts & Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the Game Theory Topic Page. Then use the following prompts to encourage class discussion before, during, and after watching the movie.

Before the Movie

What do you think game theory is?

What do you think a matrix is?

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 0:36: What is economics?

Timecode 1:05: How might predicting behavior help you negotiate better?

Timecode 2:16: Why does one person winning and one losing result in a “zero-sum game”?

Timecode 2:55: Why would you put unknown consequences in a matrix?

After the Movie

What are examples of times you’ve used game theory?

How might looking at everything as a game benefit a computer scientist? A diplomat?

Is football a cooperative game, or a non-cooperative game? Is it a zero-sum game?

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.