Space Flight Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

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

Before the Movie

What do you already know about space flight?

Describe a space flight you watched on TV or read about it.

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 1:16: How does gravity affect objects on Earth? 

Timecode 2:20: What role does  thrust play into counteracting gravity when launching a rocket? 

Timecode 3:05: Compare and contrast a solid-fuel rocket and a liquid-fuel rocket. 

Timecode 4:04: How are payloads used to help launch a rocket into space? 

After the Movie

Imagine that you are launching a spacecraft into space. Using your new knowledge of spacecrafts, which method would you use to launch your craft? Why? 

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

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