Cliffhanger Clip

Argumentation

Cliffhanger Clip

Use this tool to:

Engage students in critical thinking and speculation about film scenes
Promote active discussion and analysis of character motivations & plot developments
Encourage students to make predictions about decisions and positions

What is it?

The Cliffhanger Clips activity is designed to engage students in critical thinking and speculation about film scenes. By pausing the clips just before unexpected events occur, students are prompted to craft ideas and predictions about what might happen next. This tool helps students understand and discuss the characters they encounter in films and the positions they take, as well as develop their ability to analyze plot developments and motivations.

Cliffhanger Clip

1 file

Download the Film Activity Plan to incorporate the activity into your classes

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Extras

Let’s consider a clip from the documentary "Behind the Curve" about the controversy surrounding the Earth's shape. It starts at 46:54 (“These people can be very, very bright”) and ends at 51:00 (“... continue claiming that the Earth was flat.”).

Pause the clip just after the statement "one of the people in the community actually purchased one for $20,000..." and ask the class:

Why did they need the expensive gyroscope? Why did they think it would show something different from the simple one?
Will they find evidence that there is no rotation to the Earth? Why (not)?
If they find evidence that the Earth is round, what will they do next?
If they find evidence that the Earth is flat, what will they do next?

(* In some areas, this documentary is available on Netflix. In others, it’s on Amazon Prime.)

Related activities

Fishbowl

Level 2 to 3 ✱ In this dialogue, students seated inside the “fishbowl” actively participate by asking questions and sharing their opinions connected to a statement, while students standing outside listen carefully to the ideas presented.

View tool

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