Name: ____________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ___
UNIT PROJECT
Review Movie Science
5-minute oral presentation of a movie review.
SUBJECT: evaluating how accurately movies present the scientific facts of
volcanic eruptions or earthquakes.
PRODUCT:
GROUPS: 1 or 2
Research and Take Notes
• Research. Visit the U.S. Geological Survey Website to find a list of movies that
feature volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. One of the more recent films is Dante’s
Peak, which shows scientists monitoring an active volcano. Recent films should be
available from Netflix or in the public library. Gather information on volcanic
eruptions or earthquakes and their effects from reference books and articles.
• 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 explosion or earthquake portrayed in the movie
You may have to see the film several times to take adequate notes. You might
also ask your science teacher 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. Show 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 photographs of volcanic eruptions or
earthquakes and their effects. Copy these from books and articles, 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, compare key scientific facts about volcanic eruptions or
earthquakes with the “science” in the movie, and give a final summary and 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)!
Content
Movie Review Scoring Rubric
Completely
Mostly
Partially
Poorly
Makes clear the purpose of the movie review
10
987
654
321
Gives brief summary of characters and movie
plot
10
987
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321
Clearly compares and contrasts movie and real
scientific data on volcanoes or earthquakes
10
987
654
321
Gives appropriate summary and rating of movie
10
987
654
321
Completely
Mostly
Partially
Poorly
10
987
654
321
Completely
Mostly
Partially
Poorly
10
987
654
321
Visuals
Visuals clearly illustrate points; can be easily
seen and understood
Organization
Content is presented in logical order and
visuals used at appropriate times
Oral Presentation
Completely
Mostly
Partially
Poorly
Speaks clearly and slowly enough to be heard
easily
10
987
654
321
Uses expression and emotion while speaking
10
987
654
321
Presentation is appropriate length for movie
review (5 minutes)
10
987
654
321
Audience participation
10
987
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Project Grade (100 points possible)