Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the Thomas Jefferson 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 Thomas Jefferson?

What do you hope to learn about Thomas Jefferson?

 

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 0:55: What role did slave labor play in the wealth of the planter class?

Timecode 1:11: In what way is it surprising that Thomas Jefferson and other Founding Fathers kept slaves?

Timecode 2:56: How did Jefferson and Hamilton differ in their ideas about the role of government?

Timecode 3:12: Why did Jefferson resign as Secretary of State?

Timecode 3:54: How did Jefferson’s actions in his new role of Presidential support the Democratic-Republican goals?

Timecode 4:40: Why would Jefferson want to avoid war with France during his second term? What is an embargo?

Timecode 4:50: What made Jefferson’s second term less successful than his first?

 

After the Movie

What were Jefferson’s greatest accomplishments?

Would you have voted for Jefferson? Why or why not?

Do states or the federal government currently have more power?

 

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