Name: ______Date: ______Period: ___

GEOSPHERE UNIT PROJECT

Review Movie Science

PRODUCT: 5-minute oral presentation of a movie review.

SUBJECT: evaluating how accurately movies present the scientific facts of volcanic eruptions or earthquakes.

GROUPS: up to 3 students

Research and Take Notes

• Research. Search the internet to find a list of movies that feature volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. One film is Dante’s Peak, which shows scientists monitoring an active volcano. Recent films should be available from Netflix, Red Box, online or in the public library. Gather information on volcanic eruptions or earthquakes and their effects from your text book and other available resources.

* CHOOSE A MOVIE THAT YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN APPROVES *

• Take notes. As you watch your chosen film, take notes on the following:

• scientific equipment used

• explanations of volcanic or seismic activity given by “scientists” in the movie

• effects of the volcanic eruption or earthquake portrayed in the movie

You may have to watch the film several times to take adequate notes. You might also ask Mr. Harris to help you understand some of the equipment or explanations.

Develop Your Review

• Evaluate your information. Compare the information given in the movie with

information you obtained from your research.

• Display the information. Create a PowerPoint presentation that shows how accurate or inaccurate the movie information is. For example, you might make a chart listing various items and then comparing and contrasting the movie’s scientific data with actual scientific data. Support your data with visuals, such as pictures of volcanic eruptions or earthquakes and their effects. Obtain these from books, online resources or make your own sketches.

• Plan your review. Outline your talk, following a movie review format: begin with

an attention-grabbing introduction, briefly list the main characters and the main idea of the movie (plot), compare key scientific facts about volcanic eruptions or earthquakes with the “science” in the movie (provide evidence), and give a final rating of the film.

• Write a script from your outline. Write a draft of your review, read it aloud to

friends or family members, and revise it. You can use the script or note cards when

you give your review to help you stay organized and aware of the time.

Practice Your Review

Rehearse your review several times to be sure it fits the time allowed. Keep all your notes and visuals in proper order. Speak clearly and not too fast.

Present. You will present your movie review to the class on ______(date)

Movie Review Scoring Rubric
Content / Completely / Mostly / Partially / Poorly
Movie introduction and clearly states the purpose of the movie review. / 5 / 4 / 3 2 / 1 0
Gives brief summary of characters (5 points) and movie plot (5 points). / 10 / 9 8 7 / 6 5 4 / 3 2 1 0
Clearly compares and contrasts movie and real scientific data on volcanoes or earthquakes (provides evidence). / 25 / 24 23 22 21 20 / 19 18 17 16 15 / 14-0
Gives appropriate rating of movie with support. / 5 / 4 / 3 2 / 1 0
Visuals (PowerPoint presentation) / Completely / Mostly / Partially / Poorly
Slideshow clearly illustrate points; can be easily seen and understood. / 10 / 9 8 7 / 6 5 4 / 3 2 1 0
Organization / Completely / Mostly / Partially / Poorly
Content is presented in logical order and visuals used at appropriate times. / 10 / 9 8 7 / 6 5 4 / 3 2 1 0
Oral Presentation / Completely / Mostly / Partially / Poorly
Speaks clearly (volume) and slowly enough to be heard easily. / 10 / 9 8 7 / 6 5 4 / 3 2 1 0
Uses expression and emotion while speaking. / 5 / 4 / 3 2 / 1 0
Presentation is appropriate length for movie review (5 minutes). / 10 / 9 8 7 / 6 5 4 / 3 2 1 0
Audience participation. / 10 / 9 8 7 / 6 5 4 / 3 2 1 0
Project Grade (100 points possible)