Samples from Movie-Ed Guides
To give you a taste of what you'll find in a Movie-Ed Guide, we've included a few samples here, one from each topic area in the Guides. For each sample question or exercise, we offer comments about how your response to that question or exercise will increase your knowledge. Click on one of the topics or browse the page to see all the topics.
Art & Music
- Do some online research about the Museum of Science and Industry. (If you Google the words in bold print, you will find the link.) What does the museum offer that you find interesting? Why?
Comments: The "Think, Talk, Try" subtopic of questions and exercises lets you practice your new knowledge. You might find a virtual tour or other options available via a web site. If you belong to a study group, you can talk with others to get their perspectives and widen your knowledge base. There might be an experiment, project, or paper to give you practice with your skills and try new things you've learned.
From: Movie-Ed Guide to Curly Sue
Culture
- Why do you think that some people loot in times of crisis?
- Is there a difference between taking a TV or stereo and taking food or water?
- Is there anything that people can do to prevent looting in a disaster?
Comments: This sample merges events (for example, a hurricane or other disaster) and scenes in the movie to focus on some part of our culture. Primarily thought-provoking, culture topics may combine history, psychology, sociology, religion, and other subjects to help you understand your community in a way that goes beyond your common everyday experiences.
From: Movie-Ed Guide to Volcano
Geography
- Is there a way to tell which way is north?
- Can you find north at night? In the daytime?
- How can it help to be able to find north?
Comments: These questions are intended to be answered fully with a broad base of understanding. The first question provokes a thought process that will yield several ways to actually distinguish a northerly direction. The second set of questions offer you an opportunity to use your new knowledge by applying it. For example, move away from the computer and the books, visit a new locale, and see if you are disoriented or if you can still find north. The last question asks you to go beyond a basic understanding of direction and determine why (and under what circumstances) you would benefit from the knowledge gained in the previous questions.
From: Movie-Ed Guide to Secondhand Lions
History
- Who invented the telephone?
- In the past, "long distance" calling was very expensive. What does it cost now to talk "long distance" for 10 minutes?
- Write a one-page story about the history of the telephone.
Comments: The first question has a clear answer to most adults — Alexander Graham Bell. Yet, there is some debate on that answer, as evidenced by the Lucidcafé library entry for Alexander Graham Bell and other web sites. The second question has many different answers and is intended to generate a historical discussion as well as a clarification of current standards. The final item builds critical thinking and writing skills.
From: Movie-Ed Guide to The Parent Trap
Language Arts
- Talk about the meaning of the following terms, especially as they are used in the movie: advisor, ruminate, abject, pipsqueak, vile, and baklava.
Comments: Each of these terms is used in the movie (in the dialog or in a song). A good understanding of these terms — definiton, usage, spelling — will enhance the movie and give you a broader vocabulary.
From: Movie-Ed Guide to Aladdin
Science & Math
- What is osmosis, when used to describe a method of learning? How is it different from the "Think System"?
- Sports coaches often ask their players to visualize success. How is that different from the "Think System"?
Comments: These questions stimulate you to explore the science behind biology (osmosis) and psychology (methods of learning), then take that knowledge to the next step, critically thinking about the potential of alternative motivational techniques.
From: Movie-Ed Guide to The Music Man
Values
- How old should someone be before they can date (court)?
- What are the reasons why you might want to wait until a certain age to go courting?
- List the rules for courting — if you don't know them, be sure to ask your parents and grandparents.
Comments: An entirely subjective topic, questions and exercises here will lead you to clearly define your values and philosophy of life. There are no right or wrong answers in this topic. Instead, each question is meant to provoke a thought process or prompt a discussion. Of all the topics in the guides, this is the best for homeschooling parents who want to help their children understand some of the intangibles that make life more enjoyable.