Declaration of Independence Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

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

Before the Movie

What is the Declaration of Independence?

What do you hope to learn about the Declaration of Independence?

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 0:40: How might ruling a colony from a distant continent cause problems?

Timecode 1:32: In what ways did the events of 1774-1776 push the colonists toward revolution?

Timecode 2:05: Which of these three rights might have most outraged King George III? 

Timecode 2:14: Why might the formal declaration of independence come last, after the rights and grievances? 

After the Movie

Do you think signing the Declaration of Independence was a dangerous thing to do? Why or why not? 

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