An Inconvenient Truth: Movie Circles
w w w. c l i m a t e c l a s s r o o m . o r g
Students share their knowledge and impressions of global warming and the underlying science; watch and discuss An
Inconvenient Truth.
Learning Objectives: Students will be able to:
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Understand how scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful
investigations
• Identify several causes of global warming
• Differentiate between credible sources and non-credible sources
• Recognize misuse of scientific terms–specifically understand the meaning of scientific theory
• Describe relationships between industry and global warming
• Identify several problems associated with global warming
• Propose solutions to problems that cause global warming
Science is deeply embedded in our everyday lives–common consumer and health choices are actually science issues.
Advertisements bombard us at every turn forcing us to sort reality from gimmicks that aim to make us do certain things
or buy a special product. How do we sort fact from fiction when seduced by claims that promise perfect skin or
protection from disease or even ways to become rich? And what if these claims are backed up by scientists? Do we
believe them then?
We have learned that “experts” are not always giving us the whole picture, and often we need to rely on our own
knowledge and background and sort through information in order to make sound decisions about our health and
consumerism. Whether we realize it or not, we regularly use science and technology to make these everyday decisions,
while questioning and finding answers to much bigger issues as well.
People need a fundamental understanding of science to answer these and many other types of questions faced daily.
These activities foster critical thinking about science and scientific investigation. Students will be able to apply science
investigation in their daily lives. Students will recognize the importance of science in answering questions about the
nature of the world. Activity Options A, B, and C may also be used as tools to assess your student’s current
understanding of global warming. Students may also write their findings in a paragraph or on poster board and present
for wider class discussion.
After watching the An Inconvenient Truth (AIT), students will participate in a “movie circle.” This format has proven to
be an effective instructional strategy that generates greater interest in the subject, more initiative in fulfilling the
objectives and higher levels of comprehension. Because there is minimal intrusion from outside (e.g., the teacher),
students in small peer groups feel free to ask questions of each other, listen to opposing viewpoints, explain their own
perceptions and defend their own rationale. The skills developed through this cooperative learning experience will not
only help make this a successful assignment, but will also prove invaluable outside the classroom as the students face
the complex challenges of careers, daily living and citizenship.
Discussion Sheet for Movie Circle: An Inconvenient Truth
Names: ________________________________________________________________________
Chapter(s): _____________________________________________________________________
After you have finished viewing the film, prepare for the movie circle meeting by assuming the identity of one of the
strategists described below, and then complete and present your strategy.
Clarifier: Your job is to find five words or concepts that are important to the chapter, to list and explain each
word/concept. Write down its location in the film.
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Summarizer: Your job is to prepare a brief summary of your film segment to share with the rest of the class. Convey how
people are influenced by the various events depicted in the film and how the conflict contributes to a possible
resolution. Be sure to present the essential ideas of the segment.
Key Events: __________________________________________________________________________________
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Summary: ____________________________________________________________________________________
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Questioner: Your job is to develop a list of four questions about this film that your movie circle might discuss. Your task
is to help circle members discuss the big ideas in the film and share their reactions. Center your questions on the who,
what, when, where and how. Be prepared to use key segments of the film (as evidence) that present the answers. List
appropriate segments of the DVD or videotape.
Question
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Answer:
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Question
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Question
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Question
4:_________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Answer:
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