Mansa Musa Discussion Prompts & Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the Mansa Musa 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 the Middle Ages?  

What do you know about the African empire of Mali?

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 1:45: Why do you think so many great empires are built on rivers?

TImecode 2:02: How could the desert barrier be viewed as an advantage?

Timecode 2:47: Why would gold’s value tank just because people had more of it?

Timecode 2:57: Why would Mansa Musa want to spread the word of his country’s great wealth?

Timecode 4:04: What would professions such as scholar, judge, and architect contribute to Mali?

After the Movie

Why do you think monuments built during Musa’s time still stand?

What is about the story of Musa and the Mali Empire that makes them inspiration for movies, comic books, and plays?

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