Fingerprints Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

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

Before the Movie

What do you know about fingerprints?

What do you want to know about fingerprints?

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 1:26: Why are fingerprints the most useful way to identify someone? 

Timecode 2:32: How are the ridges on our fingertips formed? 

Timecode 3:34: How do fingerprints help police identify suspects in a crime?

Timecode 5:28: What are latent prints and why can’t they stand alone when proving someone’s guilt? 

After the Movie

What is one thing you learned about fingerprints that surprised you? 

How can fingerprints be useful to our society today? 

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