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

 

Before the Movie

What do you think is meant by the “outer solar system”?

Which do you think makes up the outer solar system?

 

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 0:51: How did astronomers determine that Pluto was not Planet X?

Timecode 1:36: Why is Pluto classified as a dwarf planet?

Timecode 2:30:  How are Eris and Pluto alike?

Timecode 3:00: Why does it take an entire year for a ray of sunshine to reach the Oort cloud?

Timecode 3:53: What causes a heliopause?

Timecode:4:34: How can we learn about what is happening in the far reaches of space, beyond where humans have been?

 

After the Movie

What is something new you learned about the outer solar system?

What questions do you have about the outer solar system?

 

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