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

 

Before the Movie

 

What does it mean for an animal to become extinct?

What animals do you think are extinct?

 

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 0:52: How can a species come back from extinction?

Timecode 1:53: How could a sudden change in climate affect an entire species?

Timecode 2:47: What might happen to a species if it has no competition for food?

Timecode 3:08: What does a high extinction rate indicate about how quickly ecosystems are changing?

Timecode 3:21: How might human activity affect  a species’ environment?

Timecode 3:59: What could happen if a medicinal plant went extinct?

 

After the Movie

 

In what way does the extinction of one animal or plant affect other animals and plants?

 

How can humans slow down the rate of extinction?

 

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