The 23 Best Science Movies for Middle School
Engaging middle school students in science can sometimes be challenging, but integrating movies into the curriculum can offer a compelling solution. The Best Science movies for Middle School Students are a fun way to learn and a gateway to expanding young minds.
Films that delve into scientific topics can provide a rich source of discussion and inspiration. Whether through the breathtaking landscapes of a National Geographic documentary or the thrilling narratives of Hollywood films, science movies can significantly enhance learning and ignite a passion for the subject.
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From the mysteries of black holes to the intricacies of the engineering design process, movies can cover various topics that might otherwise seem daunting in a textbook.
Table of Contents
The Best Science Movies for Middle School
Teacher Tips for Movie Day
- Snippet Lesson Plan: Integrate short film clips into daily lessons to illustrate specific scientific concepts.
- Discussion Sparkers: Use movies like “Interstellar,” which explores time travel and black holes, to spark in-depth discussions and tie them into lesson content on space science and physics.
- Stem Family Movies Night: Encourage a community project by hosting a movie night at school, showcasing films that deal with science topics. Movies like “Big Hero 6” and “Swiss Family Robinson” can provide entertainment and educational value, ideal for all family members.
Benefits of Science Movies
Incorporating movies into science education has several benefits:
- Visual Learning: Students often better understand and retain complex concepts when presented visually.
- Increased Engagement: A great movie can capture students’ attention more effectively than traditional teaching methods.
- Real-World Connections: Films based on true stories or real-world problems make learning relevant and can inspire students to explore STEM fields.
Best Science Movies
When choosing films for middle school students, it’s crucial to consider the content rating and ensure it’s appropriate for the age group. Here are a few recommended films that are not only educational but also align well with middle school curricula:
1. October Sky (Rated PG)
This inspiring film is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner’s son who was inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 to take up rocketry against his father’s wishes. The movie beautifully illustrates the engineering design process and the value of pursuing one’s dreams.
It’s an excellent demonstration of how determination and education can allow someone to transcend their circumstances. The film also encourages discussion about the space race and its impact on American history.
2. The Martian (Rated PG-13)
This film, Starring Matt Damon, combines elements of space exploration and the science of survival. Damon plays an astronaut stranded on Mars who must use his wits and scientific knowledge to survive until a rescue mission can retrieve him.
The movie is great for discussing botany, problem-solving, and resilience in adversity. It also provides a realistic depiction of the challenges of space travel.
3. Gravity (Rated PG-13)
This thrilling space adventure features Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts left adrift in space after their shuttle is destroyed. The movie is a dramatic, visually stunning depiction of space travel and survival.
It offers an intense exploration of the perils faced by astronauts and the vastness of space. The film can discuss space’s physics, including gravity, momentum, and orbital mechanics.
4. Apollo 13 (Rated PG)
Based on the true story of the Apollo 13 mission, this film is a compelling narrative of teamwork and problem-solving as NASA works against time to bring three astronauts safely back to Earth after their spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage.
It highlights the importance of critical thinking and engineering under pressure. The movie celebrates the human spirit and NASA’s capabilities during the 1970s. It encourages students to learn about the history of space exploration.
5. Spare Parts (Rated PG-13)
Based on a true story, this film follows four Hispanic high school students who form a robotics club under the guidance of their new teacher and compete in a national robotics contest. It highlights themes of teamwork, creative engineering solutions, and perseverance.
The film inspires students from underprivileged backgrounds to overcome obstacles through education and innovation. It encourages discussions about education, cultural diversity, and the value of hands-on learning.
6. The LEGO Movie (Rated PG)
This animated adventure is entertaining and promotes creativity through building and engineering. The film is a fun and light-hearted introduction to engineering concepts. It also underscores the importance of believing in oneself and the power of imagination.
The Lego Movie is an excellent tool for fostering student creativity and innovation. Here is a list of the Best Lego Movies for Families
7. A Beautiful Planet (Rated G)
Narrated by Jennifer Lawrence, this documentary offers breathtaking views of Earth from space, captured by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station. It provides a unique perspective on our planet and humanity’s effects on it.
The film encourages discussions on environmental science and our responsibility to Earth. It also showcases how technology like the International Space Station allows humans to study Earth unprecedentedly.
8. Interstellar (Rated PG-13)
Directed by Christopher Nolan, this sci-fi epic explores complex themes such as black holes, gravity, and time travel. It’s a visually spectacular journey across the universe that encourages deep thinking about our place. T
he movie provides a fantastical yet thoughtful exploration of theoretical physics, love, and human survival instincts. It is also a prompt for discussing interstellar travel’s potential realities and humanity’s future.
9. Hidden Figures (Rated PG)
This film tells the uplifting story of three African-American women mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. It’s a powerful film about overcoming barriers and achieving seemingly impossible goals.
The narrative provides a significant discussion point about racial and gender equality in science and technology. It also demonstrates the critical role of mathematics and collaborative work in space missions.
10. Big Hero 6 (Rated PG)
It is an animated movie about a robotics prodigy who forms a superhero team to combat a masked villain. The movie highlights themes of innovation and the importance of emotional and artificial intelligence.
It’s a fantastic introduction to robotics and computer programming for younger students. The film also deals with loss, resilience, and the importance of seeking help in difficult times.
11. Dream Big: Engineering Our World (Not Rated)
This documentary aims to inspire young viewers with stories of human ingenuity and engineering marvels worldwide, including the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings.
It emphasizes engineering’s impact on society and the global challenges engineers face. The film shows how engineering is key to solving real-world problems, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving lives.
12. The Lego Movie (Rated PG)
This animated adventure is entertaining and promotes creativity through building and engineering. The film is a fun and light-hearted introduction to engineering concepts.
13. WALL-E (Rated G)
In a future where humans have abandoned Earth due to waste and pollution, WALL-E is a robot left to clean up. The film is a touching story about environmental care and technological advancement.
It poses important questions about consumerism, sustainability, and Earth stewardship. WALL-E’s journey is a poignant reminder of the importance of companionship and our actions’ impacts on the planet.
14. The Imitation Game (Rated PG-13)
This historical drama centers on Alan Turing and his team of codebreakers during World War II as they work to decipher the German Enigma machine. The film touches on the impacts of early computer science and deals with issues of secrecy, morality, and the consequences of war.
15. Contact (Rated PG)
Based on Carl Sagan’s novel, which is the same name, this film follows a SETI scientist who finds strong evidence of extraterrestrial life and is chosen to make first contact. It’s a profound look at the implications of communicating with aliens. The movie explores themes of faith versus science, the universe’s vastness, and its protagonist’s journey in her relentless pursuit of knowledge. “Contact” is perfect for sparking interest in astronomy and the scientific method.
The Best Science Movies for Middle School
16. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Rated PG)
This film is based on the story of a Malawian teenager who builds a wind turbine to save his village from famine. Highlighting themes of innovation and persistence, it’s a testament to the impact one person can make.
The story focuses on physical science and engineering as well as the social and economic challenges faced by the community. It’s a powerful example of how education can lead to practical, life-saving outcomes.
17. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (Rated TV-PG)
Hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, this documentary series follows up on Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage” and explores various aspects of the universe. It is designed to make complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging.
Each episode weaves historical narratives and cutting-edge science to explain the laws of nature and our place in the cosmos. It’s an excellent resource for sparking curiosity about the universe.
18. Finding Nemo (Rated G)
While primarily an entertainment film, “Finding Nemo” can be used to discuss marine biology and the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef, making it a fun educational tool for younger students. Marlin’s journey to find his son Nemo introduces a variety of sea creatures and habitats, offering a peek into life under the sea.
This movie is ideal for introducing ecology concepts, the importance of ecosystems, and the impact of human activities on marine life.
19. An Inconvenient Truth (Rated PG)
This documentary, directed by former Vice President Al Gore, focuses on climate change. It’s an excellent resource for discussions of environmental science and conservation efforts. The film effectively uses data and projections to illustrate the potential long-term effects of global warming, making it a compelling call to action. It also examines environmental policies’ political, economic, and social implications.
20. Planet Earth (Not Rated)
Another entry from David Attenborough, this series uses stunning cinematography to explore Earth’s diverse natural environments. It’s perfect for lessons in geography and environmental science.
The documentary series showcases various biomes and species, illustrating the complexity and beauty of the natural world. It’s a wonderful tool for understanding biodiversity and the importance of conservation.
21. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Rated PG-13)
While primarily a work of fantasy, this installment of the Star Wars saga can be a fun introduction to discussions about space, technology, and the ethics of power in an engaging and culturally significant context. The movie also features themes of heroism, destiny, and resistance against oppression. Although set in a fictional universe, it provides a platform to explore topics such as technology, leadership, and conflict resolution.
22. The Day After Tomorrow (Rated PG-13)
This disaster film deals with catastrophic climatic effects following the disruption of the North Atlantic Ocean circulation, showcasing extreme weather phenomena due to global warming. While the science is dramatized for effect, it serves as a springboard for discussions on climate science, meteorology, and environmental conservation.
It portrays a series of weather-related disasters that prompt a discussion about the real-world impact of climate change and the importance of environmental stewardship. The movie can also be used to explore the human response to disaster scenarios and the resilience required in such situations.
23. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Rated PG)
It is an animated film that turns an inventor’s creation, which converts water into food, into a disastrous yet humorous scenario when it goes awry. While primarily a comedy, this film can be used to introduce concepts of invention, the engineering design process, and the potential unintended consequences of technology.
It’s a whimsical portrayal of problem-solving and adaptation, making it an excellent tool for discussing the ethics of scientific experimentation and technology’s role in society. The movie also encourages creative thinking and innovation among students, underlining the importance of science and technology in solving real-world problems.
Integrating Movies into the Classroom
To make the most out of movie days, teachers can use movie guides, which often include discussion questions and activities related to the film. These can serve as part of a lesson plan, helping to tie the movie back to specific curriculum goals.
Science movies offer a dynamic and fun way to enhance learning in the science classroom. They can make abstract concepts tangible and showcase the real-life applications of science. For middle school students at a crucial stage of developing their interests, science movies can be a powerful tool in sparking lifelong curiosity and interest in STEM fields.
Incorporating films into science education isn’t just a good thing—it’s a great way to connect students with the broader world of science, all while keeping education engaging and fun. Whether it’s a feature-length documentary or a short film, each has the potential to be an excellent addition to the educational experience.
