Updated June 2014
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BrainPOP: Engineering & Tech

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Animated shorts provide engaging intro to variety of STEM topics

Subjects & skills
Subjects
  • Science
Skills
  • Critical Thinking
Grades This grade range is a recommendation by Common Sense Education and not the developer/publisher.
3–9
Common Sense says
Not yet reviewed
Teachers say (2 Reviews)
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Price:  Paid From $220.
Platforms:  Website

Take a look inside

3 images
BrainPop: Engineering & Tech offers over 100 animated videos on technical topics, organized into seven units.
Choices like "Energy Sources" provide a great introduction to topics in upper elementary or middle school.
Matching vocabulary sheets support content, but most kids in this age group will need to pause and review.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

BrainPop's Engineering & Tech module has more than 100 animated videos on a variety of specific topics –- many of which are also found in the site's science section. Friends Tim and Moby narrate, providing the distinctive BrainPop humor that kids love. While coverage of some technical topics is fairly thin, in general, these videos can be an effective way to introduce these ideas to upper-elementary and middle school students.

Launch an energy unit by showing the “Energy Sources” video to the whole class. Students can then use the printed quiz as a guide; later, project the Review Quiz so students can take it as a class. Continue by having kids work in groups on specific energy sources, using related BrainPop movies. If using a flipped-class model, have students watch specific videos at home. Subsequent class time can then be used for further investigation, discussion, or practice. Videos have matching vocabulary sheets, but keep in mind that most students at this age will need to pause and replay Tim’s definitions in order to write them down.

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Teacher Reviews

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Featured review by
Cathie G. , Classroom teacher
Classroom teacher
Dorseyville Middle School
Pittsburgh, PA
Movie, Differentation, Concept Mapping, Gaming, Primary Sources, Oh MY!
In a world of flipped and blended learning, BrainPOP is a great way to enhance your classroom. I love the amount of additional activities, games, and extension activities offered to students. My favorite feature is the Make A Map. It teaches students to organize their thoughts in a way that works for their ability and learning style. Since I've introduced the Make A Map to my 6th and 7th graders, I've noticed that the writing in their science journals has increased. They were able to express the science concepts easier and understood the idea of organizing technical writing. Students started playing the games on their own and started to watch the movies and play the games independently.
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