Science education doesn't have to be confined to textbooks, labs, and lectures—in fact, it's everywhere. Science can be an exciting adventure that captures students' imaginations and sparks their curiosity, through film!
Yes, science movies offer a dynamic and engaging way to introduce concepts, demonstrating their real-world applications and bringing abstract ideas to life. Through science-themed movies, middle school students can explore complex topics in an entertaining and relatable context, making learning both enjoyable and memorable (although, I'll never forget my first disection!)
So, whether it's the resilience of an astronaut on Mars, the groundbreaking work of mathematicians at NASA, or the inventive spirit of young rocket enthusiasts, these movies highlight the wonder and importance of science in our world.
I've also provided the key scene, potential discussion questions, and more to help you get these films in front of your students.
In no particular order:
1. The Martian (2015), Rating: PG-13
Actors: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig
Not only a great science movie, The Martian was nominated for Best Picture! Astronaut Mark Watney is left stranded on Mars after a mission gone wrong. Presumed dead, he must use his knowledge of science and engineering to survive and signal Earth that he is alive. His resilience and ingenuity become crucial as he grows food, generates water, and finds ways to communicate with NASA.
Key Science Scene: Mark Watney creates water (Approx. 0:40:00): Watney burns hydrazine to create a reaction that forms water.
Educational Themes: Survival, botany, chemistry, space exploration
Discussion Questions:
- How does Watney use chemistry to create water?
- What are the challenges of living on Mars?
Related Activities: Build a model of a Martian habitat, discuss the importance of recycling and resource management.
2. Hidden Figures (2016), Rating: PG
Key Actors: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
Hidden Figures is an iD Tech blog-favorite, with mentions and entries on our best STEM movies (go figure, no pun intended) and STEM innovators posts. The film tells the true story of three African-American women mathematicians at NASA who played crucial roles in the early years of the U.S. space program. Facing racial and gender discrimination, they persevered to help send astronauts into space. Their contributions were pivotal in the success of NASA missions, including John Glenn's orbital flight.
Key Science Scene: Katherine Johnson's math presentation (Approx. 1:45:00): Katherine successfully calculates the landing coordinates for John Glenn’s orbital flight.
Educational Themes: Mathematics, space race, history, civil rights
Discussion Questions:
- How did the work of Katherine Johnson and her colleagues contribute to the success of the space program?
- What obstacles did they face?
Related Activities: Solve basic orbital mechanics problems, research other influential women in STEM.
3. October Sky (1999), Rating: PG
Key Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern
Based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who is inspired by the launch of Sputnik to take up rocketry against his father's wishes. With the support of his teacher and friends, he overcomes numerous obstacles to pursue his dream. The film highlights the importance of perseverance and education in achieving one's goals.
Key Science Scene: Rocket launch success (Approx. 1:30:00): The boys finally achieve a successful rocket launch after numerous failed attempts.
Educational Themes: Physics, rocketry, perseverance, American history
Discussion Questions:
- What scientific principles are involved in rocketry?
- How did the launch of Sputnik influence Homer Hickam?
Related Activities: Build and launch small rockets, discuss the impact of the space race on education and careers.
4. Wall-E (2008), Rating: G
Key Actors: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
Wall-E is a small waste-collecting robot left to clean up an abandoned, polluted Earth. He discovers a small plant, signaling the possibility of life returning, and embarks on a space journey that leads him to a spaceship filled with humans who have lost their connection to the planet. Wall-E's adventure inspires change and hope for the future.
Key Science Scene: Wall-E and Eve's plant discovery (Approx. 0:50:00): Wall-E shows Eve the plant he found, leading to the realization that Earth can support life again.
Educational Themes: Environmental science, robotics, sustainability
Discussion Questions:
- What message does Wall-E convey about environmental conservation?
- How do Wall-E and Eve use technology to solve problems?
Related Activities: Design a robot to solve an environmental problem, discuss the importance of recycling and waste management.
5. Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008), Rating: PG
Key Actors: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem
A scientist and his nephew embark on an expedition to find the center of the Earth, following clues left in a book by Jules Verne. Along the way, they discover a hidden world filled with prehistoric creatures and extraordinary landscapes. Their adventure tests their survival skills and scientific knowledge.
Key Science Scene: Discovering the underground world (Approx. 0:40:00): The characters find the hidden world beneath the Earth's surface filled with prehistoric creatures and plants.
Educational Themes: Geology, exploration, adventure
Discussion Questions:
- What geological formations are shown in the underground world?
- How does the movie's depiction of Earth's interior compare to real scientific knowledge?
Related Activities: Create a model of Earth's layers, research different types of rocks and minerals.
6. A Wrinkle in Time (2018), Rating: PG
Key Actors: Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon
Based on the classic novel, the film follows Meg Murry and her brother Charles Wallace as they travel through space and time to rescue their father from an evil entity. They are guided by three celestial beings, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who, who help them unlock their inner strength and understanding of the universe. The journey teaches them about love, resilience, and the power of science and imagination.
Key Science Scene: Tesseract explanation (Approx. 0:25:00): The characters explain the concept of "tessering," a form of space-time travel, using a visual demonstration.
Educational Themes: Physics, space-time, family
Discussion Questions:
- What is a tesseract and how is it used for space travel?
- How do the characters use scientific concepts to solve problems?
Related Activities: Create a visual representation of a tesseract, discuss the concept of dimensions and space-time.
7. Flubber (1997), Rating: PG
Key Actors: Robin Williams, Marcia Gay Harden, Christopher McDonald
Professor Philip Brainard, a quirky scientist, invents a rubber-like substance that can generate great energy and bounce called Flubber. Despite his absent-mindedness, he attempts to use Flubber to save his failing college and win back his fiancée. The film blends humor and science, demonstrating the importance of innovation and persistence.
Key Science Scene: Flubber demonstration (Approx. 0:35:00): Professor Brainard demonstrates the properties of Flubber, showcasing its incredible bounciness and energy.
Educational Themes: Chemistry, invention, energy
Discussion Questions:
- What are the properties of Flubber?
- How does Professor Brainard use chemistry to create it?
Related Activities: Conduct experiments with different types of slime, discuss the scientific method and experimentation.
8. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009), Rating: PG
Key Actors: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan
Flint Lockwood is an aspiring inventor who creates a machine that can turn water into food. When the machine goes haywire, it causes giant food to rain from the sky, creating chaos in the town. Flint must find a way to stop the machine before it destroys everything.
Key Science Scene: Flint's food machine malfunction (Approx. 0:50:00): Flint's machine starts malfunctioning, causing giant food to rain from the sky, highlighting unintended consequences of scientific inventions.
Educational Themes: Invention, engineering, food science
Discussion Questions:
- What are the consequences of Flint's invention?
- How can scientific inventions impact society?
Related Activities: Design a machine to solve a problem, discuss the importance of testing and refining inventions.
9. Big Hero 6 (2014), Rating: PG
Key Actors: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung
Hiro Hamada, a young robotics prodigy, forms a superhero team to uncover the mystery behind a masked villain responsible for a devastating event. With the help of his inflatable robot Baymax, Hiro and his friends use their scientific skills to fight crime and save the city. The film emphasizes the value of friendship, teamwork, and the positive uses of technology.
Key Science Scene: Microbot demonstration (Approx. 0:15:00): Hiro presents his microbots at a science fair, demonstrating their potential for various applications.
Educational Themes: Robotics, engineering, teamwork
Discussion Questions:
- How do Hiro's microbots work?
- What are the potential uses for such technology?
Related Activities: Create simple robots or programmable devices, discuss the importance of collaboration in scientific endeavors.
10. Apollo 13 (1995), Rating: PG
Key Actors: Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton
Based on true events, Apollo 13 chronicles the ill-fated lunar mission where an oxygen tank explosion jeopardizes the lives of three astronauts. As NASA engineers on Earth work tirelessly to bring them home, the crew must use their ingenuity to survive. The film is a testament to human resilience and the power of teamwork in overcoming adversity.
Key Science Scene: Improvising a CO2 filter (Approx. 1:30:00): The astronauts and ground crew work together to create a makeshift carbon dioxide filter to keep the crew alive.
Educational Themes: Space exploration, problem-solving, teamwork
Discussion Questions:
- How did the astronauts and ground crew work together to solve the CO2 problem?
- What challenges did they face?
Related Activities: Create a CO2 filter model, discuss the importance of teamwork and quick thinking in emergencies.
11. Meet the Robinsons (2007), Rating: G
Key Actors: Jordan Fry, Wesley Singerman, Angela Bassett
Lewis, a young inventor, travels to the future where he meets the eccentric Robinson family. With their help, he discovers that his inventions have a significant impact on the future. The film encourages creativity, resilience, and the importance of family.
Key Science Scene: Time machine repair (Approx. 0:50:00): Lewis successfully repairs the time machine, demonstrating his inventiveness and understanding of complex machinery.
Educational Themes: Invention, time travel, perseverance
Discussion Questions:
- How does Lewis repair the time machine?
- What scientific principles are involved in time travel?
Related Activities: Design and build a simple machine, discuss the concept of time travel and its implications.
12. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Rating: PG
Key Actors: Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer, Marcia Strassman
Wayne Szalinski, an eccentric inventor, accidentally shrinks his children and their friends to microscopic size. The kids must navigate the perils of their backyard while their parents frantically search for them. The film combines humor with scientific curiosity and innovation.
Key Science Scene: Shrinking the kids (Approx. 0:30:00): The kids are accidentally shrunk by the father's experimental shrinking machine, setting off the main adventure.
Educational Themes: Physics, invention, perspective
Discussion Questions:
- How does the shrinking machine work?
- What challenges do the kids face as a result?
Related Activities: Create models to explore the concept of scale, discuss the scientific method and the process of invention.