Buoyancy Discussion Prompts & Pause Points

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

Before the Movie

Why do you think some things float? 

Why do you think some things sink?

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 0:53: How are fluids different than solids?

Timecode 1:34: Why do things weigh less in water?

Timecode 3:35: What determines whether something will float or sink?

Timecode 4:02: Why don’t boats sink?

Timecode 4:23: Why do helium balloons float? How is this similar to buoyancy?

After the Movie

What personal experience have you had with water displacement?

What is something new you learned about buoyancy?

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