Primaries and Caucuses Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie

What is the purpose of a primary? Caucus? (Tap prior knowledge)

What do you hope to learn about primaries and caucuses? (Set goals)

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 1:04: In what way are primaries and caucuses like the election before the election? (Draw inferences; Compare/contrast) 

Timecode 4:26: What are the pros and cons of caucuses? (Make connections)

Timecode 5:01: Why are the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary influential? (Draw conclusions; Identify cause/effect)

After the Movie:

Look at the four related movies at the bottom of the page. Explain how each is connected to the Primaries and Caucuses topic. (Make connections)

What is one new thing you learned about primaries and/or caucuses?  (Reflect; Revisit goals)

BrainPOP recommends reading  the movie description that appears on the Primaries and Caucuses Topic Page to your class. Then show the movie once through without pausing.  Watch it again, this time using the discussion prompts.

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