Variables Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie

What do you know about computer coding? (Tap prior knowledge; Tap background knowledge)

What do you hope to learn about coding? (Setting 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 1:46: How is a variable like a shortcut? (Compare/contrast)

Timecode 3:29: What does it mean to declare and initialize a variable? Which do you do first and why? (Recall; Identify sequence)

Timecode 5:49: Why is the order of statements so important in coding? (Draw conclusions)

After the Movie

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

How are variables useful in coding? (Apply new knowledge)

What is something new you learned about coding? (Reflect)

BrainPOP recommends reading the movie description that appears on the Variables 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.