Teaching Tools for Viewing Cosmos

Every now and then, science teachers need to find a reliable and scientifically sound video or movie to show their classes. Perhaps a lesson needs enhancement or students need another way to hear the topic in order to fully absorb and understand the material. Movies and videos are also great for when teachers need to plan for a substitute to take over the class for a day or two. However, sometimes it is hard to find videos or movies that can fill in the holes in a way that is accessible and entertaining.

Thankfully, in 2014, the Fox broadcasting network aired a 13 episode television series called Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. Not only was the science accurate and accessible for all levels of learners, but the series was hosted by the extremely likable, yet brilliant, Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. His honest and energetic approach to what can be complicated or "boring" topics for students will keep them entertained as they listen and learn about important historical and current topics in science.

With each episode clocking in at around 42 minutes, the show is just the right length for a normal high school class period (or half of a block scheduling period). There are episodes for just about every type of science class and some that are relevant to being a good scientific citizen in this world. Below is a list of viewing worksheets that can be used as an assessment after the students finish the episodes, or as a note-taking worksheet as they watch. Each episode title is followed by a list of topics and historical scientists discussed in the episode. There is also a suggestion for what types of science classes each episode would work best to show them in. Feel free to use the viewing worksheets by copying and pasting the questions and tweaking them to fit your classroom's needs.