Nanotechnology Discussion Prompts & Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the Nanotechnology 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 nanotechnology?  

What do you hope to learn about nanotechnology?

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 0:36: Why would scientists want to control matter at a really small scale?

Timecode 2:32: How does a scanning tunneling microscope work and why is it useful to scientists working in nanotechnology?

Timecode 3:14: What are nanobots and how can they be useful?

Timecode 3:44: How can nanotechnology be used to reduce manufacturing waste and pollution?

Timecode 3:58: What are some downsides of nanotechnology?

After the Movie

Are you for or against development of nanotechnology? Support your position.

In what ways will nanotechnology influence your life?

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