Monotremes Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the Monotremes 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 monotremes?

What do you want to know about monotremes?

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 1:22: What qualifies monotremes as mammals? What is unique about monotremes as mammals?

Timecode 2:04: How are platypus adapted to living on riverbanks? 

Timecode 2:12: Why would poison spurs on the back feet be useful for a digging animal?

Timecode 2:38: How might a mother echidna defend its egg from predators? 

After the Movie

Do you think monotremes should be considered mammals? Explain.

What might be the advantages of egg laying to a species? The disadvantages? 

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