BrainPOP: Engineering & Tech

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.